But, he said, but how the hell innocent is a man who helps make a thing like an atomic bomb? And how can you say a man had a good mind when he couldn't even bother to do anything when the best-hearted, most beautiful woman in the world, his own wife, was dying for lack of love and understanding… He shuddered, Sometimes I wonder if he wasn't born dead. I never met a man who was less interested in the living. Sometimes I think that's the trouble with the world: too many people in high places who are stone-cold dead.
The narrator expresses deep disillusionment regarding a man who contributed to building the atomic bomb, questioning how anyone can call him innocent. This reflects a broader concern about moral responsibility, especially when someone fails to provide love and support to their own wife during her suffering. The narrator's harsh critique suggests that a person's intellect does not equate to goodness or vitality when they are disengaged from the fundamental aspects of life, such as empathy and compassion.
This sentiment extends to a critique of society, where individuals in influential positions may lack a genuine connection to human values. The observation that such leaders might be "stone-cold dead" serves as a commentary on the moral failings of those who wield power without regard for humanity. The narrator’s reflections highlight the dangers of a society populated by those who are disconnected from the emotional needs of others, ultimately questioning the ethical implications of their actions.
