I hope after reading my detailed summary about this book you are inspired to go out and buy your own copy of the book so that you become further educated on this important topic. Remember do not be turned off by the cover just because a good-looking man is not posesing on the front cover!... ITS WHATS INSIDE THAT COUNTS !! In addition, after you read this book I hope that you will be able to react to the several main points that McPhee presents the readers with. Here was my reaction to the book and the issues that I found most influential, feel free to comment!!
Throughout the world today people often overlook important issues that could negatively affect their lives especially if a direct message is not presented to them as a warning signal. One issue that should be a concern to many involves the nuclear industry which continues to expand due to the increase of technology. In John McPhee’s book, The Curve of Binding Energy he presents the issue of nuclear bombs to his audience. In the beginning of the novel he sends a direct warning to his readers, telling them that nuclear materials are easily accessible and there is a lack of safeguards which does not help to improve the dangers of nuclear bombs.
Before McPhee introduce the person whose life story the book is based upon, he stresses the fact that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. By doing this it sends a clear message to the readers and allows them to understand the importance of the book. I know when I read that first statement it opened my eyes and made me realize that this is an issue that should not be disregarded and individuals should be warned about the dangers of atomic bombs. Another point that McPhee tells his audience to support his warning is that not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible. This instills a sense of fear knowing that these mass destructive bombs can be placed in the hands of individuals such as terrorists, who are willing to destroy our homeland. When I read that, the first event that came to my mind and probably others was the terrorist attacks of September 11 on the World Trade Center. McPhee ironically on the next page mentions the attacks of September 11th and although it was not an atomic bomb that exploded it does support his warning that safety precautions should me improved to reassure our safety.
Theodore B Taylor, whose life story emphasizes the importance of McPhee’s message is, one of the most well known scientists who is strongly involved in the field of nuclear bombs. He dedicates his later years of his life in hopes to improve the safeguards and trying to get materials such as Uranium -235 and Plutonium -239, which are used to create bombs. Taylor raises the issue that since the materials are not strictly contained in areas that have high security every civilization is going to witness an atomic explosion. For example, McPhee uses the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki to provide the readers with the emotional and physical affects that an atomic bomb has on a country. In addition, this shows that atomic bombs can actually happen to a nation and it is only a matter of time until our nation is next to be attacked. Due to this we are in a sense obligated after being presented with the information to improve safeguards. Taylor is one individual that has taken the first step in achieving the goal of ending this furious cycle of violence. He started the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards which is still in existence today.
Another issue that was presented in the book was the importance of privacy which will help in providing safety. Every time Taylor gives information to McPhee during their interviews on various accounts he states that he can not go into details. The book takes place during the 1970’s and the concern of privacy is mentioned imagine how much easier now in the year 2008 it is for an individual to find out information on atomic bombs. Technology has increased tremendously since the 1970’s which should make our nation even more worried and concerned. In today’s society televisions, cable, websites, and internet access makes the issues of safeguards an even more challenging task. Our nation just like Taylor has attempted to improve safeguards by forming international organizations, such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), to prevent their diversion to bombs. The goal is to prevent nuclear proliferation, that is, the possession of nuclear weapons by more and more groups.
After reading this book, one becomes informed of the dangers of atomic bombs and can now understand the importance of safeguards. McPhee’s warning can be beneficial to many nations and can encourage others to take that first step like Taylor, and try to improve safety precautions in our country. However, we must remember that if we do not continue to enhance security our civilization will be next to experience a catastrophic atomic bomb.
Throughout the world today people often overlook important issues that could negatively affect their lives especially if a direct message is not presented to them as a warning signal. One issue that should be a concern to many involves the nuclear industry which continues to expand due to the increase of technology. In John McPhee’s book, The Curve of Binding Energy he presents the issue of nuclear bombs to his audience. In the beginning of the novel he sends a direct warning to his readers, telling them that nuclear materials are easily accessible and there is a lack of safeguards which does not help to improve the dangers of nuclear bombs.
Before McPhee introduce the person whose life story the book is based upon, he stresses the fact that not only the six nations that have been tested have access to nuclear bombs but smaller groups of people that may not have good intentions do as well. By doing this it sends a clear message to the readers and allows them to understand the importance of the book. I know when I read that first statement it opened my eyes and made me realize that this is an issue that should not be disregarded and individuals should be warned about the dangers of atomic bombs. Another point that McPhee tells his audience to support his warning is that not only physicists but one person alone can build a bomb, due to the fact that the materials are easily accessible. This instills a sense of fear knowing that these mass destructive bombs can be placed in the hands of individuals such as terrorists, who are willing to destroy our homeland. When I read that, the first event that came to my mind and probably others was the terrorist attacks of September 11 on the World Trade Center. McPhee ironically on the next page mentions the attacks of September 11th and although it was not an atomic bomb that exploded it does support his warning that safety precautions should me improved to reassure our safety.
Theodore B Taylor, whose life story emphasizes the importance of McPhee’s message is, one of the most well known scientists who is strongly involved in the field of nuclear bombs. He dedicates his later years of his life in hopes to improve the safeguards and trying to get materials such as Uranium -235 and Plutonium -239, which are used to create bombs. Taylor raises the issue that since the materials are not strictly contained in areas that have high security every civilization is going to witness an atomic explosion. For example, McPhee uses the explosion of the bombs Hiroshima and Nagasaki to provide the readers with the emotional and physical affects that an atomic bomb has on a country. In addition, this shows that atomic bombs can actually happen to a nation and it is only a matter of time until our nation is next to be attacked. Due to this we are in a sense obligated after being presented with the information to improve safeguards. Taylor is one individual that has taken the first step in achieving the goal of ending this furious cycle of violence. He started the International Research and Technology firm, which main function involves safeguards which is still in existence today.
Another issue that was presented in the book was the importance of privacy which will help in providing safety. Every time Taylor gives information to McPhee during their interviews on various accounts he states that he can not go into details. The book takes place during the 1970’s and the concern of privacy is mentioned imagine how much easier now in the year 2008 it is for an individual to find out information on atomic bombs. Technology has increased tremendously since the 1970’s which should make our nation even more worried and concerned. In today’s society televisions, cable, websites, and internet access makes the issues of safeguards an even more challenging task. Our nation just like Taylor has attempted to improve safeguards by forming international organizations, such as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), to prevent their diversion to bombs. The goal is to prevent nuclear proliferation, that is, the possession of nuclear weapons by more and more groups.
After reading this book, one becomes informed of the dangers of atomic bombs and can now understand the importance of safeguards. McPhee’s warning can be beneficial to many nations and can encourage others to take that first step like Taylor, and try to improve safety precautions in our country. However, we must remember that if we do not continue to enhance security our civilization will be next to experience a catastrophic atomic bomb.
