Robert Oppenheimer

The atomic bomb created the conditions of contingent catastrophe, forever placing the world on the precipice of existential doom.  But in doing so, it created a philosophy of acceptable cruelty, worthy extinction, legitimate extermination.  The scenarios for such programs of existential realisation proved endless.  Entire departments, schools of thought, and think tanks were dedicated to […]

1945: Alamagordo Never have scientists so fervently prayed. Slumping against a wooden post, Robert Oppenheimer reminds himself not to weaken: “I must remain conscious!” The countdown proceeds: “five . . . . four . . . . three . . .  two . . . ” Afraid it may electrocute him, the normally unflappable Sam […]