‘Einstein and the bomb’: 7 extraordinary lines from the scientist in the new Netflix documentary

The docudrama’s script is stitched together from phrases spoken by Einstein that reflect on tyranny, peace and the role of science in a context of impending conflict

In the song the scientist recalls the first questions about the world that gave rise to his research.

Einstein confesses that, as a child, he just wanted to stay in a corner, without the world paying attention to him. Suddenly he found himself before the eyes of a divided planet, where he faced death threats.

The phrase appears in the first minutes of the docudrama and serves as a catalyst for the future of the narrative.

Einstein believes that, in extreme contexts, the response to an ethical and deadly conflict should be an organization capable of combating this reality. Peace, for him, was a mission and not just an ideal.

As he himself said: “Silence would make me feel guilty for having been complicit.”

In the extract the scientist reflects on what was happening in his home country with the rise of Hitler and the risks this entailed for the freedom and security of the population.

Einstein declared himself against the war, but, given the context that emerged in Germany, he was convinced that the organized and militarized force of German fascism could only be fought with another organized force.

The scientist thus reflected on the reality of his nation, which, at that moment, no longer had room for the values ​​he considered irrefutable: the religious and cultural freedom of the people.

In the context of the film, the famous phrase – “if it were wrong, one would be enough” – is a response to the policy of Nazi Germany, which called into question the scientist’s studies. When he is informed that 100 Nazi professors labeled his theory as wrong, he then states that, if it were truly wrong, all it would take is one professor to address it.

In addition to demonstrating that his results were achieved only after trials and experiments – that is, proven – Einstein seems to point to a scientific process – which would become popular after the Second World War – of peer review. Above all, the scientist questions the opinion of those who doubt the object of his research more because they have values ​​contrary to his than because of the results achieved.

Excerpt from Einstein’s 1933 speech at London’s Albert Hall for the “Science and Civilization” conference, which was seen as a response to emerging fascism.

You deserve

One of the great merits of Einstein and the bomb is to focus on the humanization of the greatest scientist of the 20th century. Even he, considered a genius, is frustrated by what he considers to have been his greatest miscalculation: opening the “Pandora’s box” of the atomic bomb.

Throughout the narrative, we see that the scientist proves himself to be all too human when he fails, regrets and reflects on his beliefs and his mission as a citizen of a world in crisis.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.