JR

Joseph Rotblat

54quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Joseph Rotblat was born Mieczysław Jerzy Rotblat on November 4, 1908, in Warsaw, Poland.

Birth and Death Dates


Birth: November 4, 1908
Death: August 31, 2005

Nationality and Profession(s)


Rotblat held Polish citizenship but spent most of his life in the United Kingdom. He was a physicist by profession, specializing in nuclear physics and its applications.

Early Life and Background


Joseph Rotblat's early years were marked by significant events that would shape his future. Born to a Jewish family in Warsaw, Poland, he developed an interest in science at a young age. His parents encouraged his curiosity, supporting his pursuit of education despite the challenges posed by rising anti-Semitism in Poland. In 1932, Rotblat moved to the United Kingdom to continue his research and education.

Major Accomplishments


Rotblat's contributions to nuclear physics are substantial. During World War II, he worked at Liverpool University on a secret project related to nuclear weapons, but as the war progressed, he became increasingly uneasy about the prospect of such weapons being used. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Rotblat began advocating for nuclear disarmament. In 1957, he founded the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), which remains a prominent voice for disarmament today.

Notable Works or Actions


Rotblat's commitment to nuclear disarmament led him to take a stand against the development of nuclear weapons. He was one of the first scientists to publicly express concerns about the ethics of nuclear research, resigning from the Manhattan Project in 1944 due to its intent to create such weapons. His leadership in the CND helped galvanize public opinion and push for international agreements on disarmament.

Impact and Legacy


Joseph Rotblat's efforts had a lasting impact on global politics and public awareness about nuclear issues. He played a key role in shaping the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between the United States and the Soviet Union, signed in 1987, which eliminated an entire class of missiles. Rotblat also received numerous honors for his work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, awarded jointly with the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Joseph Rotblat is remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace and disarmament. His courage in challenging the status quo, especially during a time when nuclear deterrence was seen as essential, inspires many today. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of scientists speaking out against projects that could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Quotes by Joseph Rotblat

Joseph Rotblat's insights on:

The Cold War is over but Cold War thinking survives.
"
The Cold War is over but Cold War thinking survives.
JR
Indeed, the very first resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations – adopted unanimously – called for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
"
Indeed, the very first resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations – adopted unanimously – called for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
JR
When the START 2 treaty has been implemented – and remember it has not yet been ratified – we will be left with some 15,000 nuclear warheads, active and in reserve. Fifteen thousand weapons with an average yield of 20 Hiroshima bombs.
"
When the START 2 treaty has been implemented – and remember it has not yet been ratified – we will be left with some 15,000 nuclear warheads, active and in reserve. Fifteen thousand weapons with an average yield of 20 Hiroshima bombs.
JR
We are told that the possession of nuclear weapons – in some cases even the testing of these weapons – is essential for national security. But this argument can be made by other countries as well.
"
We are told that the possession of nuclear weapons – in some cases even the testing of these weapons – is essential for national security. But this argument can be made by other countries as well.
JR
All nuclear weapon states should now recognize that this is so, and declare – in Treaty form – that they will never be the first to use nuclear weapons. This would open the way to the gradual, mutual reduction of nuclear arsenals, down to zero.
"
All nuclear weapon states should now recognize that this is so, and declare – in Treaty form – that they will never be the first to use nuclear weapons. This would open the way to the gradual, mutual reduction of nuclear arsenals, down to zero.
JR
The most terrifying moment in my life was October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I did not know all the facts – we have learned only recently how close we were to war – but I knew enough to make me tremble.
"
The most terrifying moment in my life was October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I did not know all the facts – we have learned only recently how close we were to war – but I knew enough to make me tremble.
JR
At a time when science plays such a powerful role in the life of society, when the destiny of the whole of mankind may hinge on the results of scientific research, it is incumbent on all scientists to be fully conscious of that role, and conduct themselves accordingly.
"
At a time when science plays such a powerful role in the life of society, when the destiny of the whole of mankind may hinge on the results of scientific research, it is incumbent on all scientists to be fully conscious of that role, and conduct themselves accordingly.
JR
#powerful
My short-term vision is the abolition of nuclear weapons. My long-term vision is the abolition of war.
"
My short-term vision is the abolition of nuclear weapons. My long-term vision is the abolition of war.
JR
#war
When the START 2 treaty has been implemented - and remember it has not yet been ratified - we will be left with some 15,000 nuclear warheads, active and in reserve. Fifteen thousand weapons with an average yield of 20 Hiroshima bombs.
"
When the START 2 treaty has been implemented - and remember it has not yet been ratified - we will be left with some 15,000 nuclear warheads, active and in reserve. Fifteen thousand weapons with an average yield of 20 Hiroshima bombs.
JR
#average
From my earliest days I had a passion for science.
"
From my earliest days I had a passion for science.
JR
#passion
Showing 1 to 10 of 54 results