The Letter That Led to the Atomic Bomb | Genius

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·Nov 11, 2024

ALBERT EINSTEIN (VOICEOVER): Based on this new phenomenon, it is conceivable, though much less certain, that an extremely powerful bomb of a new type may be constructed.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT: A single bomb of this type, carried by boat and exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory. Good god. I don't need to tell you what could happen if the Germans developed this technology before we do. I'll be doing the goose step. --[chuckles] Or worse, which is why I'm asking you to take charge of a program to research and develop an atomic weapon. It would require tremendous resources. Of that, I have no doubt. I need wide latitude to manage the project-- the scientists, the military, clandestine operations. Secrecy would be vital, sir. You couldn't let the crowds get onto us. Everyone involved will need security clearance.

EDGAR: Oppenheimer, Teller, Fermi, Einstein. Hm. No. [closes notebook] No, Einstein is out.

MILITARY OFFICIAL: You haven't even run his background, Edgar.

EDGAR: The Bureau has been concerned about Einstein for years. He's a radical, most certainly communist.

MILITARY OFFICIAL: He's the man who informed the president of the urgency of this matter. He cannot be trusted to be loyal to our country.

I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America. Against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

JUDGE: That I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law. That I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law.

Ben Silbermann at Startup School 2012

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The Letter That Led to the Atomic Bomb | Genius

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