Human experience shows that people, not organizations or management systems, get things done Hyman Rickover More Quotes by Hyman Rickover More Quotes From Hyman Rickover When the men in Russia foul up, they are dismisses, sometimes losing their necks. But we protect those who fail and press them to the government bosom. Hyman Rickover necks russia men Any one detail, followed through to its source, will usually reveal the general state of readiness of the whole organization. Hyman Rickover details states organization The tools of the academic designer are a piece of paper and a pencil with an eraser. If a mistake is made, it can always be erased and changed. If the practical-reactor designer errs, he wears the mistake around his neck; it cannot be erased. Everyone sees it. Hyman Rickover necks paper mistake Nothing so sharpens the thought process as writing down one's arguments. Weaknesses overlooked in oral discussion become painfully obvious on the written page. Hyman Rickover weakness pages writing I have a son. I love my son. I want everything that I do to be so safe that I would be happy to have my son operating it. That's my fundamental rule. Hyman Rickover safe want son Those involved with practical reactors, humbled by their experiences, speak less and worry more. Hyman Rickover speak-less practicals worry It troubles me that we are so easily pressured by purveyors of technology into permitting so-called "progress" to alter our lives without attempting to control it-as if technology were an irrepressible force of nature to which we must meekly submit. Hyman Rickover technology nature science Half-truths are like half a brick - they can be thrown farther. Hyman Rickover half-truth bricks half The Devil is in the details, but so is salvation. Hyman Rickover details devil salvation I do not have regrets. I believe I helped preserve the peace for this country. Why should I regret that? What I accomplished was approved by Congress -- which represents our people. All of you live in safety from domestic enemies because of security from the police. Likewise, you live in safety from foreign enemies because our military keeps them from attacking us. Hyman Rickover regret military country In Greek mythology, Antaeus was a giant who was strong as long as he had contact with the earth. When he was lifted from the earth he lost strength. So it is with engineers. They must not become isolated from the real world... Hyman Rickover strong real long A child is being properly educated only when he is learning to become independent of his parents. Hyman Rickover independent education children Free discussion requires an atmosphere unembarrassed by any suggestion of authority or even respect. Hyman Rickover atmosphere suggestions authority As a guide to engineering ethics, I should like to commend to you a liberal adaptation of the injunction contained in the oath of Hippocrates that the professional man do nothing that will harm his client. Hyman Rickover engineering clients men Above all, we should bear in mind that our liberty is not an end in itself; it is a means to win respect for human dignity for all classes of our society. Hyman Rickover winning class mean If you are going to sin, sin against God, not the bureaucracy. God will forgive you but the bureaucracy won't. Hyman Rickover twilight inspirational funny Act as if you are going to live for ever and cast your plans way ahead. You must feel responsible without time limitations, and the consideration of whether you may or may not be around to see the results should never enter your thoughts. Hyman Rickover responsibility life science Good ideas and innovations must be driven into existence by courage and patience. Hyman Rickover innovation courage ideas Thoughts arising from practical experience may be a bridle or a spur. Hyman Rickover spurs practicals may All men are by nature conservative but conservatism in the military profession is a source of danger to the country. One must be ready to change his line sharply and suddenly, with no concern for the prejudices and memories of what was yesterday. To rest upon formula is a slumber that, prolonged, means death. Hyman Rickover military memories country
