The picture of Albert Einstein which serves as the logo for this module was chosen because Dr. Einstein was confronted several times in his scientific career with conflicting interests. Twice the conflicts within Einstein's conscience have had momentous importance to the entire planet. Perhaps it would be fair to say that his decision to leave Nazi Germany was also such a conflict, the choice taken to preserve his ability to seek the truth.
Dr. Einstein knew that some German scientists were working on atomic energy. He knew mathematically the tremendous power that would be unleashed were this knowledge put to "practical" application. We all know that he informed President Roosevelt and continued his own work and supported others in their quest for the dangerous knowledge. It is a classic case of societal and personal values in contest with one another. It was not a question decided on an insatiable curiosity or of a search for fundamental knowledge. It was a pragmatic decision to push forward because he knew others were doing so. It was a political decision.
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