Oppenheimer Bhagavad Gita Quote
- 11 months ago
J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb," is known for his complex and multifaceted personality. Oppenheimer had a deep interest in Eastern philosophy, particularly Hinduism, and was acquainted with the Bhagavad Gita, a revered ancient Indian scripture. His connection to the Bhagavad Gita became well-known due to his famous quote after the successful test of the first atomic bomb, where he said, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."
Oppenheimer's quote is a paraphrase of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, specifically from Chapter 11, Verse 32. The original verse in Sanskrit is as follows:
"कालोऽस्मि लोकक्षयकृत्प्रवृद्धो लोकान्समाहर्तुमिह प्रवृत्तः।
ऋतेऽपि त्वां न भविष्यन्ति सर्वे येऽवस्थिताः प्रत्यनीकेषु योधाः॥"
The English translation of this verse is as follows:
"I am Time, the mighty destroyer of the worlds, who has come to annihilate everyone. Even without your participation, all the warriors standing in the opposing armies shall cease to exist."
Oppenheimer's choice to quote this verse after witnessing the destructive power of the atomic bomb reflects his deep contemplation on the moral and ethical implications of the weapon he helped create. The verse speaks of the immense power of time and its ability to bring about destruction, paralleling the devastating impact of the atomic bomb.
Oppenheimer's use of this quote from the Bhagavad Gita has been a subject of interpretation and analysis, with some viewing it as a reflection of his remorse and the weight of responsibility he felt for his role in the creation of such a destructive force. Others see it as an expression of the profound philosophical and moral questions that arose from the development of nuclear weapons.
In summary, Oppenheimer's connection to the Bhagavad Gita is reflected in his famous quote, which draws upon a verse from the scripture to capture the magnitude and consequences of the atomic bomb.
Oppenheimer's quote is a paraphrase of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, specifically from Chapter 11, Verse 32. The original verse in Sanskrit is as follows:
"कालोऽस्मि लोकक्षयकृत्प्रवृद्धो लोकान्समाहर्तुमिह प्रवृत्तः।
ऋतेऽपि त्वां न भविष्यन्ति सर्वे येऽवस्थिताः प्रत्यनीकेषु योधाः॥"
The English translation of this verse is as follows:
"I am Time, the mighty destroyer of the worlds, who has come to annihilate everyone. Even without your participation, all the warriors standing in the opposing armies shall cease to exist."
Oppenheimer's choice to quote this verse after witnessing the destructive power of the atomic bomb reflects his deep contemplation on the moral and ethical implications of the weapon he helped create. The verse speaks of the immense power of time and its ability to bring about destruction, paralleling the devastating impact of the atomic bomb.
Oppenheimer's use of this quote from the Bhagavad Gita has been a subject of interpretation and analysis, with some viewing it as a reflection of his remorse and the weight of responsibility he felt for his role in the creation of such a destructive force. Others see it as an expression of the profound philosophical and moral questions that arose from the development of nuclear weapons.
In summary, Oppenheimer's connection to the Bhagavad Gita is reflected in his famous quote, which draws upon a verse from the scripture to capture the magnitude and consequences of the atomic bomb.