Richard L. Garwin, a Creator of the Hydrogen Bomb, Dies at 97
The New York TimesWednesday, May 14, 2025 at 8:43:19 PM
** Richard L. Garwin, the brilliant physicist who played a pivotal role in designing the hydrogen bomb as a young scientist, has passed away at 97. While the bomb was a collaborative effort, Garwin’s early work cemented his legacy as a key architect of the world’s most destructive weapon. But his career didn’t stop there—he became a trusted advisor to multiple U.S. presidents and later shifted focus to groundbreaking research in computing, communications, and medicine at IBM’s labs. His life was a mix of scientific triumph and moral complexity, reflecting the dual-edged nature of 20th-century innovation.
What This Means: ** Garwin’s story isn’t just about the bomb—it’s about how one person’s intellect can shape history in wildly different ways. From weaponry to medical tech, his work touched countless lives, for better and worse. His death is a moment to reflect on how science, ethics, and power intertwine, especially when a single mind leaves fingerprints on both destruction and progress.
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