In 1945, J. Robert Oppenheimer led a team of scientists to create the world’s first nuclear weapon as part of the Manhattan Project. This achievement changed the course of history, transforming warfare and global security forever.
Oppenheimer’s powerful I am become Death quote which goes like this – “I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” captured the profound impact of the atom bomb he helped unleash.
However, this quote is not originally his, rather it is found in the Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita. As Oppenheimer witnessed the first nuclear weapon detonation on July 16, 1945, a thought from the Gita crossed his mind: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
As reported by Business Insider, during a 1965 NBC interview, he reflected on the momentous Trinity Test, where the first bomb was detonated in the New Mexico desert, just weeks before the tragic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Oppenheimer’s emotional demeanor in the interview revealed his deep understanding of the destruction caused by the bomb. To find meaning amidst this devastation, he turned to the Bhagavad Gita.
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The I Am Become Death Quote Is From The Bhagavad Gita Originally
In this text, the god Vishnu imparts wisdom to the warrior prince Arjuna, emphasizing the importance of duty and detachment from the results of actions. Oppenheimer found solace in this philosophy as he grappled with the moral implications of his work.
Kenneth Bainbridge, who directed the Trinity Test, expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “Now we’re all sons of b******,” highlighting the shared responsibility of those involved in the Manhattan Project.
The development of the nuclear bomb raised ethical questions about its use. The team hoped it would end World War II and save lives, but they were also aware of its potential for catastrophic consequences.
As Oppenheimer witnessed the Trinity nuclear test’s fireball, he became drawn to Hinduism. Though he didn’t adopt it as a religious belief, he found it to be a valuable philosophy to guide his life.
Sanskrit scholar Stephen Thompson, with over 30 years of study and teaching experience, explains that Oppenheimer was genuinely fascinated by Hinduism, going beyond a mere passing interest. For Oppenheimer, Hinduism provided a framework to understand and make sense of the profound implications of his actions.
In Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” the story of the Manhattan Project and its moral complexities takes center stage. The movie explores Oppenheimer’s role and the responsibility he felt for the bomb’s use. It delves into how individuals grappled with the consequences of their actions and the moral dilemmas of wielding such immense power.
Oppenheimer’s reference to the Bhagavad Gita suggests that Hindu writings helped him understand the magnitude of the destructive force he helped create. The scripture emphasizes the importance of faith and devotion when facing moral challenges and uncertainties.
During the NBC interview, Oppenheimer discussed the reasons for developing the nuclear bomb, emphasizing its potential to end the atrocities of World War II and bring about peace.
However, he and his team understood the weight of responsibility that came with possessing such power. They hoped the bomb would never need to be used, but the realities of war forced difficult decisions.
What Does The Bhagavad Gita Say?
The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture written in Sanskrit, revolves around a conversation between the warrior prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, his charioteer who is an incarnation of Vishnu.
Arjuna faces a moral dilemma as he prepares to battle his own friends and relatives in an opposing army. Krishna imparts a higher philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one’s duty (dharma) irrespective of personal concerns. The Gita discusses desire, wealth, righteousness (dharma), and ultimate liberation (moksha) as key lessons.
In one pivotal moment, Arjuna asks Krishna to reveal his universal form, and Krishna appears as a magnificent and awe-inspiring being with many mouths and eyes. This moment resonated with Oppenheimer, who translated it as “If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one.”
In Hinduism, the divine is involved not only in creation but also in dissolution, and Krishna’s words highlight that everything is under the control of the divine.
However, Oppenheimer seemed unable to find the same peace as Arjuna. He struggled with the consequences of creating the atomic bomb, feeling burdened by the knowledge that the physicists had caused immense destruction.
Oppenheimer’s perspective differed from Arjuna’s belief in the eternal nature of the soul and the illusion of death. While Arjuna could be indifferent to war, knowing that souls are immortal, Oppenheimer couldn’t fully embrace this idea.
He felt the weight of the bomb’s consequences, and his apparent skepticism about the idea of an immortal soul weighed heavily on his mind.
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In the larger context, the bomb represented the battle against the forces of evil, epitomized by fascism, as perceived by some. While Arjuna finds conviction in carrying out his duty as a warrior, Oppenheimer’s struggle with the bomb’s impact and his understanding of life and death reflects a deeper internal conflict.
Even today, the ethical debate surrounding the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki continues. Some argue that these actions were necessary to end the war and save lives, while others condemn the use of such devastating force on civilian populations.
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