Being father of the nuclear navy, he must have had some wits. He is one of those people about whom the term genius actually applies. My definition of a genius is one with extreme intelligence, excellent memory (I console myself with the thought that but for a weak memory... ha-ha...) and the insight to apply them effectively.

I've no doubt of his genius.

Cheers

ccpo -

There is no doubt that Admiral Rickover was a brilliant and highly perceptive man. But he was no angel, either.

He was a master at ruthless bureaucratic in-fighting, was extreme adept at shamelessly cultivating powerful congressmen to ensure generous funding for the Navy's nuclear program. He also had a well-deserved reputation as a vindictive SOB and a real tyrant to work for.

He certainly didn't get to the position he did by being a nice guy. Being a small, scrawny little fellow, and a Jew to boot, must have made for very tough going when he was a midshipman at Annapolis in those less enlightened days.

OK. Does personality have anything to do with genius?

Cheers