The man in charge must concern himself with details. If he does not consider them important, neither will his subordinates.

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.

Half-truths are like half a brick - they can be thrown farther.

Any one detail, followed through to its source, will usually reveal the general state of readiness of the whole organization.

To doubt one's own first principles is the mark of a civilized man. Don't defend past actions; what is right today may be wrong tomorrow. Don't be consistent; consistency is the refuge of fools.

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.

How the hell are you supposed to know what God wants you to do with your life, eh?