Power Stays in the Shadows
Vol. XII of The Sunday Selects
Happy Sunday, friends.
Welcome back to PATH NINE.
Like a lot of you, I had the pleasure of watching Oppenheimer, and it exceeded my expectations. It is undoubtedly my favorite film of 2023. The film does an excellent job exploring the complicated ideas of legacy, power, and the consequences of our decisions. So today, I’m exploring some of the most interesting elements of Oppenheimer—from his detractors to his colleagues to the soundtrack—spoilers not included.
If you've also seen Oppenheimer, I would love to hear your thoughts on the movie and the enduring legacy of Robert J. Oppenheimer. Feel free to leave a comment sharing your insights! And if you haven't had the chance to watch it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Have a great week!
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“Fall in love with some activity, and do it! Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn't matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.” - Richard P. Feynman
Here are five things that I thought were worth sharing this week:
“Amateurs seek the sun and get eaten. Power stays in the shadows." - Lewis Strauss
Nolan's three-hour biographical film, based on Bird and Sherwin's Pulitzer-winning biography "American Prometheus," intricately captures Robert J. Oppenheimer's scientific career. One quote from Oppenheimer resonates deeply with me, serving as a subtle homage to "American Prometheus." This quote by Lew Lewis Strauss, founding member of the AEC, encapsulates a critical perspective, which becomes obvious within the context of the film, and sheds light on his motivations, actions, and overall demeanor toward Oppenheimer and those in his orbit. This quote brings to mind the Farnam Street article discussing the distinction between amateurs and professionals. I am particularly fascinated by the idea that true power operates discreetly, with influential individuals avoiding the limelight and understanding the potency behind the scenes. The most powerful figures seldom seek the spotlight. The brightest individuals often say very little. Power does not come from standing out but from thinking several steps ahead.Ideas I'm thinking about: Oppenheimer weaves together themes of science, politics, war, devastation, relationships, and the consequences of our decisions. The film explores Oppenheimer's transformation from creating the bomb to advocating international cooperation to minimize its destructive potential. It reminds me of the ongoing discourse surrounding the apprehensions related to artificial intelligence (AI) and the pressing demands for improved regulation or, at the very least, coordinated efforts. Over the past six months, AI has ushered in transformative changes across various industries, job sectors, and even our perception of work. It has liberated us from the tedium of menial tasks that offer little value. However, it's essential to acknowledge the possible repercussions that accompany such advancements. In a recent article published by Scientific American, researchers conducted an experiment and found that, when asked to generate chemical weapons, an AI model produced 40,000 potential variations in only six hours. Whether we're navigating advanced technology landscapes or seemingly mundane day-to-day decisions, it's critical to think about the second-order consequences of our actions.
What I'm reading: Oppenheimer’s Letter of Recommendation for Richard Feynman (1943). It's easy to get buried in our priorities and ignore opportunities to spot and support growing talent. But in 1943, Robert J. Oppenheimer acted as an example of what it means to propel talent. Despite leading an all-consuming project, Oppenheimer wrote a letter of recommendation to Raymond T. Birge, the Head of the Department of Physics at UC Berkeley, requesting he hire a young, talented scientist that would go on to have an enormous impact on the scientific community and the world writ large. That scientist was Richard Feynman (pictured above, with Oppenheimer). In this letter, he wrote:
He is by all odds the most brilliant young physicist here, and everyone knows this. He is a man of thoroughly engaging character and personality, extremely clear, extremely normal in all respects, and an excellent teacher with a warm feeling for physics in all its aspects. He has the best possible relations both with the theoretical people of whom he is one, and with the experimental people with whom he works in very close harmony.
Feynman possessed an extraordinary knack for simplifying intricate concepts and effortlessly conveying them to anyone. He had a remarkable talent for sparking an insatiable curiosity, compelling others to delve deeper into their quest for knowledge. Without the help of Oppenheimer, he certainly would have a fantastic career. But Oppenheimer's letter of recommendation laid the groundwork for Feynman to walk on. The people in our lives have an extraordinary ability to propel us. Be the kind of person who uplifts.
What I'm watching: Oppenheimer and The Day After Trinity. Like most, I've started my Oppenheimer journey with Christopher Nolan's three-hour historical drama. But, the film only piqued my interest, compelling me to further explore the life and related context not captured in the movie. I've since stumbled upon The Day After Trinity, an Academy Award-nominated documentary directed by Jon Else in 1981 that has recently been revived due to the overwhelming success of Nolan's film. According to Else, the films are broadly similar, as they both follow the life of Oppenheimer and focus on the courtroom battle that took place over the years that followed the Trinity Test. Where the films diverge is in the exploration of the impact on Hiroshima, the Japanese city that was the target of Oppenheimer's crowning scientific achievement. I've yet to watch the film, but I am excited to sit down and dive deeper.
What I'm listening to: An exceptional movie soundtrack can fully transform and alter a film. Iconic soundtracks (e.g. Jurassic Park) skillfully establish the rhythm, pacing, and atmosphere of a film. Oppenheimer's soundtrack, masterfully composed by Ludwig Göransson, stands out as one of the most haunting and thought-provoking scores I’ve encountered in years. Surprisingly acoustic, it is a striking departure from the weight and turmoil portrayed in the film. While other films by Nolan, such as Inception and Interstellar, employ drums to mark the passage of time, Oppenheimer's soundtrack appears to exist beyond temporal constraints, evoking the sensation of unending voyages through both time and space. Even if you have yet to experience the film, I highly recommend putting your headphones on and immersing yourself in this extraordinary soundtrack.
Coming up next: I’ve been working on an article about the Return to Office (RTO) mandates taking place in the tech sector and what these efforts mean for the future of work. If you haven't already subscribed, do it now so you can get the latest issue.
And, just in case you missed it…
Here are some things that I’ve written and shared recently.
Until Next Time!
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— Kevin K.