Quotes by Hyman G. Rickover

About Hyman G. Rickover:

Hyman George Rickover was a United States Navy admiral who directed the original development of naval nuclear propulsion and controlled its operations for three decades as director of Naval Reactors. In addition, he oversaw the development of the Shippingport Atomic Power Station, the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor used for generating electricity.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More than ambition, more than ability, it is rules that limit contribution; rules are the lowest common denominator of human behavior. They are a substitute for rational thought.

Hyman G. Rickover

Responsibility is a unique concept... You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished. You may delegate it, but it is still with you... If responsibility is rightfully yours, no evasion, or ignorance or passing the blame can shift th...

Hyman G. Rickover

When doing a job — any job — one must feel that he owns it, and act as though he will remain in that job forever.

Hyman G. Rickover

What it takes to do a job will not be learned from management courses. It is principally a matter of experience, the proper attitude, and common sense — none of which can be taught in a classroom... Human experience shows that people, not organizat...

Hyman G. Rickover

Sit down before fact with an open mind. Be prepared to give up every preconceived notion. Follow humbly wherever and to whatever abyss Nature leads or you learn nothing. Don’t push out figures when facts are going in the opposite direction.

Hyman G. Rickover

I believe it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him. Admittedly, one man by himself cannot do the job. However, one man can make a difference. We must live for the future of the human race, and not for our own co...

Hyman G. Rickover

They all have excellent resumes... So what I’m trying to find out is how they will behave under pressure.

Hyman G. Rickover

Success teaches us nothing; only failure teaches.

Hyman G. Rickover

Optimism and stupidity are nearly synonymous.

Hyman G. Rickover

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 G. Rickover

Author Bio

  • NameHyman G. Rickover
  • DescriptionUnited States admiral
  • BornJanuary 27, 1900
  • DiedJuly 8, 1986
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionOfficer; Submariner
  • AwardsCommander Of The Order Of The British Empire; Legionnaire Of Legion Of Merit; Presidential Medal Of Freedom; Harold Pender Award