Leo Szilard

A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

After seeing the aftermath of the atomic bombs, I’m considering leaving the field of physics. Perhaps I will pursue my interest in molecular biology...However, I will continue to push for peaceful uses of such energy and international arms control #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

As part of my push towards peace, @Albert_E1nstein and I, along with others, have begun talks to form the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists to warn the world of the threat of nuclear war #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@OppenheimerJBob #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

The war is over and I believe that my time at Chicago is also quickly coming to an end. Thank you to everyone who I had the privilege of working with on such a revolutionary project. We certainly made an impact on the world of science #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@FranckJmy A scary thought and I hope these weapons are never used again! #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

We need to remember the potential for positive uses of nuclear energy rather than using it for destruction! I worry that the use of these powerful weapons might lead to an arms race between USA and Russia #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@Groves_theGreat @PrezHTruman I wanted the bomb used as a bargaining chip with which we could threaten others because of its power. It should never have been used against other humans and I hope that you feel a tremendous amount of guilt for the direction you took this project! #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

I am passing a petition around amongst scientists of the Manhattan Project urging @PrezHTruman to provide a demonstration of the power of the atomic bomb for the Japanese before using it on a city. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@Albert_E1nstein @RichFeynman13 @FrankDRoos And your signature on my letter was much appreciated! I'm sorry that the project took this turn for the worst and that the weapon was actually used again others. Not the outcome I had intended... #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

Thankfully the war has ended. Japan has surrendered, however I do not think that we achieved surrender the correct way...As a result, I’ve begun to rethink what it is that I hope to contribute to the scientific world #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

I am at a loss for words. One bomb was bad enough and I am appalled that the US has just decided to drop a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the Interim Committee’s decision to use the bomb against #Hiroshima. These weapons are unbelievably powerful and should not be used for harm against other humans. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

“A black day” indeed… #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@EdwardTeller13 @OppenheimerJBob Of course. However, in the beginning, I saw it as a scare tactic against the Germans and that's still how I think we should use it against the Japanese. Give them a demonstration of its destructive power and we can save lives! #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@OppenheimerJBob @EdwardTeller13 Sure, it was the culmination of all of our research and maybe we should be proud of that, but we also have to consider the repercussions of our actions. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@FranckJmy Well said! Hopefully now the US Government will think twice before using it in war without warning. Too many innocent lives would be lost #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

The first ever nuclear weapon has been successfully detonated at White Sands in New Mexico. The amazing power of the atom has been released but I fear for the future of the world. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

@Eleanor28713137 We will continue research–hopefully for the greater good–in his memory and remember the man who first made this project possible. #2018CUAB

[Leo Szilard @LeoSzil]

My condolences go out to the Roosevelt family. We’ve lost a great leader today and the man who allowed us crazy scientists to continue to chase after our dreams of nuclear energy and weapons. #2018CUAB