If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
The text considers the possibility of un-inventing destructive inventions. It particularly focuses on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII. Scientific advancements, especially the chain reaction principle, led to catastrophic events fueled by human greed and power struggles. Scientific discoveries should be redirected toward peaceful uses. They should serve beneficial purposes rather than destruction, drawing on historical examples of responsible power use. Ultimately, it supports a reassessment of humanity’s relationship with scientific knowledge. It urges a commitment to welfare instead of devastation for a sustainable future.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article reflects on the devastating impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII. It highlights the complexity of the relationship between science and humanity.
- It emphasizes the dual nature of scientific discoveries, showing that misuse stems from human greed and a wish for power.
- The narrative advocates for the responsible use of scientific advancements for peaceful purposes, rather than destruction.
- Historical examples illustrate that scientific inventions can help humanity when applied judiciously.
- Ultimately, the discussion calls for a reevaluation of how we utilise scientific discoveries to promote welfare instead of devastation.
The scenario
It was a normal day on August 06, 1945. World War II was going on; the roaring of planes and bombers was a usual feature. That fateful day, too, it was running normally in Hiroshima, Japan. Suddenly, sirens screamed. Their shrill and shaky sound had become a usual thing. Fighter planes spotted in the sky, but it thought to be a regular drill. The planes vanished after hovering in the sky of Hiroshima. The situation seemed normal.
(a) BOOM!
(a1) Hiroshima
A few minutes thereafter, a bomber appeared again in the sky, and moments later, a big BOOM! The bomb had exploded in the sky over Hiroshima. A large mushroom-shaped cloud erupted, covering a large area. More than one lakh people wiped out instantly, and the whole area devastated. Barring charred bodies, buildings and land, nothing was visible.
(a2) Nagasaki
Three days later, the hellish dance of death and destruction replayed in Nagasaki. It repeated on August 09, 1945. They organised another satanic dance and ferociously guffawed at their devilish act. Humanity has had no time to wail; her tears evaporated, and she became stolid.
(b) Little Boy and Fat Man
The attack was severe. The atom bombs, nicknamed “Little Boy” and “Fat Man”, created havoc. The bombs were based on the principle of a chain reaction. In 1938, Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered the chain reaction, which can be both beneficial and destructive for humanity. (Britannica)
Chain reaction
Bombarding neutrons splits nucleus of an element like Uranium 235 into two. This process releases huge amounts of energy as heat and radiation. Additionally, it releases neutrons, which collide with another nucleus, breaking and releasing energy. It is a chain-like sequence, hence the name “Chain Reaction”.
(a) Chain reaction and the sun
The process occurs on the solar surface, releasing vast energy. The sun is our constant energy source, providing light and heat that sustain life. Without the sun, life is not possible. The fission reaction is a fraction of it which is insignificant in comparison to the action on the solar surface.
(b) The sun – source of Energy
It is not difficult to visualise the amount of energy the sun generates every moment. It gives life and fuels life on Earth. The sun is not destructive, but the fusion created in the atomic bomb is deadly. This is the difference between a human discovery and invention vis-à-vis the natural fusion and fission reaction on the sun.
Scientific discoveries for humanity
The discoveries by human beings are not new to Nature. Things and processes have always existed in Nature. Their accidental discovery paved the way for further study. Scientists studied various physical phenomena. They wanted to understand the intricacies of the process. Their goal was to use it for the advantage of science for humanity rather than for mass destruction.
(a) Dangers of destructive weapons
Long ago, sagacious primogenitors in India had visualised the danger of mass destruction by destructive weapons. At the end of the epic war of the Mahabharata, the impulsive and satanic behaviour of Ashwatthama enraged Lord Krishna. He picked up a straw of hay and invoked the Brahmastra in it. As He prepared to use it against Ashwatthama, an Oracle stopped Him from using Brahmastra. The divine voice pleaded that it would destroy all humanity. Lord Krishna controlled His anger and cursed Ashwatthama. He also brought back to life the foetus in the womb of Uttara, the widow of Abhimanyu.
(b) Use of Power should be judicious
Powers are for human welfare. Scientific inventions are ostensibly for the broader welfare of humanity. It depends upon the humans who use the power without using their prudence. People use scientific knowledge and technology to create terror. They cause havoc and mass destruction to satiate the whims of a select few. It does not align with the principle of science for humanity.
(c) Spirit of scientific explorations
The days were not far off. Just over seventy years ago, humanity saw and endured terror. This was due to the use of a devilish power of destruction. The onus is not on science and scientists. It is impossible to undo any of the inventions. The discoveries can’t be undone. It would be against the spirit of scientific exploration.
Manhattan Project
Manhattan Project carried out the research and development. It was to develop a lethal nuclear weapon to be used against the Japanese. Robert Oppenheimer, the project head, was an American theoretical physicist. The USA, the United Kingdom and Canada jointly carried out the project. The research and development used for mass destruction.
Lust and greed are responsible
The purpose of scientific discovery has never been destruction and devastation. The positive use of scientific knowledge was required. As has been discussed above, many fusion reactions are constantly taking place on the solar surface. The energy from these reactions is for humanity’s welfare. Human lust and greed are responsible for the destruction and devastation. Science ought to be for humanity.
(a) Natural calamities
Mother Nature has given bounties for humans for use in growth and development. The cupidity and lust for power have brought us deluge, pluvial inundation, drought, hunger and poverty. They cleared forests, made the land barren and unproductive. Groundwater, minerals, and other things extracted more than needed. The wounded and open land left unattended. Aren’t humans responsible for it all? What do my learned readers think? Please comment and give your thoughts in the comment box below.
Peaceful use of science
Scientific discoveries are essential for the welfare of humanity. The discovery of X-rays and different waves, like radio waves, helped significantly in communication. The discovery of radioisotopes is useful in the treatment of deadly diseases like cancer. Scientists have ventured deep into space, landed on the moon, explored Mars and approached the sun for its deep studies. Scientific knowledge and science need to be used for humanity, not for mass destruction. (The CSR Journal)
(a) Use of science in development
Apart from accidental mishappening, the careful use of scientific knowledge creates wonders. Atomic power is used in various peaceful ways. It includes running a power plant and producing isotopes. It is also used in the fields of medicine, agriculture, water resource management, and sustainable energy. The list is long.
(b) Accidental mishappenings
The accidental blast in the boiler at a Nuclear Power Plant occurred in Chornobyl, in today’s Ukraine, in April 1986. It was an eye-opener. Additionally, the major damage to the nuclear power plant in Japan after a massive earthquake was significant. The tsunami in 2011 also highlighted vulnerabilities. They gave feedback about the weaknesses of the project implementation and helped stop future mishappenings.
In the End
It doesn’t need to be repeated about the pious importance of scientific discoveries. They must not be uninvented, nor should they be demeaned. It is like the use of a dangerous tool, a knife for example, for good as well as bad purposes. It is we, the humans, who need to use knowledge of science for the welfare of humanity. Our earth would then be more than a heaven for each and every part of Nature and its organisms.
Related links
-END-
Leave a Reply