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Born in New York on April 22, 1904, to German Jewish immigrants, Oppenheimer's upbringing was steeped in culture and intellect. His father, Julius, was a successful textile importer, while his mother was a painter from a prominent New York lineage. Raised in an artistic environment, the young Oppenheimer developed a fascination for knowledge, mastering eight languages and engaging in poetry.
He attended elite private schools before enrolling at Harvard University in 1922, initially aiming to become a chemist. However, a course on thermodynamics ignited his passion for physics. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable; he famously graduated in just three years despite being delayed by health issues.