I think the article contains some great history on the early days of quantum mechanics and the interactions of its founding fathers, but I disagree with one of the main points: I'd wager that Einstein and Schrodinger invented these dramatic scenarios to illustrate their argument in a way they thought would be most effective. Trying to link the formulation of their thought experiments to deteriorating conditions in Germany doesn't accomplish anything, and is beyond the realm of the knowable without explicit evidence otherwise. Alternative title for the article: "MIT Physics Professor Just Wants to Tell You Some History". Oh, and welcome back, demure, I hope you've been well. :)Einstein could have reached for many different examples of large-scale effects with which to criticize a quantum-probabilistic description. His particular choice—the unmistakable damage caused by exploding caches of gunpowder—likely reflected the worsening situation in Europe.