Quote #10

It is said that a wise man who stands firm is a statesman, and a foolish man who stands firm is a catastrophe.

More from Hyman G. Rickover

  1. Some of the ideas I try to get across to the people who work for me are the following:
  2. Nothing so sharpens the thought process as writing down one's arguments. Weaknesses overlooked in oral discussion become painfully obvious …
  3. Yet it is incumbent on those in high places to make wise decisions and it is reasonable and important that the public be correctly informed…
  4. The Quakers have an excellent approach to thinking through difficult problems, where a number of intelligent and responsible people must wo…
  5. Unfortunately for those who must make far-reaching decision without the benefit of an intimate knowledge of reactor technology, and unfortu…
  6. You know that answer to that, don't you. You don't need me to tell you.
  7. The academic-reactor designer is a dilettante. He has not had to assume any real responsibility in connection with his projects. He is free…
  8. Any one detail, followed through to its source, will usually reveal the general state of readiness of the whole organization.

All Hyman G. Rickover quotes