Einstein’s Advice After the A-Bomb
Oppenheimer and Einstein weren’t close in the early years of their relationship. The relationship turned after the bombs had dropped and they were both working at Princeton University. Oppenheimer said they were “close colleagues and something of friends.” Despite his success with the Manhattan Project, the United States government sought to revoke Oppenheimer’s security clearance during the Red Scare, a huge, embarrassing blow to his career and credibility, and a focal point for Nolan’s film.
Oppenheimer’s fight for security clearance, Einstein advised his colleague to avoid participating in the hearings. He advised Oppenheimer to step back and avoid having his life picked apart, that he shouldn’t have to submit to such treatment after the younger man’s service to his country. Despite his efforts to help, Einstein was tough on Oppenheimer, calling him a ‘narr’ (fool) when Oppenheimer ultimately decided to submit to the 1954 US Atomic Energy Commission hearing.
