Action Quote by Richard P. Feynman
“The original reason to start the project, which was that the Germans were a danger, started me off on a process of action, which was to try to develop this first system at Princeton and then at Los Alamos, to try to make the bomb work.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Oral History Interview, 1970, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Feynman explains that his initial motivation was the perceived threat posed by Germany, leading him to develop the first atomic bomb system at Princeton and later at Los Alamos.
In simple terms: He started the bomb project because he saw Germany as a danger.
Key Takeaway
Recognize threats and act decisively.
Themes
science
ethics
war
motivation
responsibility
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- defense research
- government projects
- emergency innovation
Key Concepts
nuclear physics
policy
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical lines are crossed when urgency overrides caution?
- How do we balance national security with scientific responsibility?
A Different Perspective
The urgency of war can pressure scientists into morally complex work.
