If the radiance of a thousand sunsWere to burst at once into the skyThat would be like the splendor of the Mighty one --I am become Death,The shatterer of Worlds.note: this was supposedly quoted by J. Robert Oppenheimer on July 16, 1945 when the first atomic bomb was tested

Summary

This quote, attributed to J. Robert Oppenheimer, showcases the immense power and destruction unleashed by the first atomic bomb. Describing the radiance of a thousand suns and the tremendous splendor, Oppenheimer expresses a sense of awe and horror. The phrase "I am become Death, The shatterer of Worlds" captures his realization of the catastrophic consequences of his creation, symbolizing the responsibility and guilt he felt as one of the masterminds behind the development of atomic weapons. It illustrates the profound impact and moral dilemma associated with technological advancements and acts as a reminder of the devastating potential of human scientific endeavors.

Topics