#30: The Devil Is in the Details

Often associated with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German-American architect renowned for his minimalist design philosophy, the saying “the devil is in the details” contrasts with his more frequently cited maxim, “God is in the details.” While van der Rohe’s legacy includes a focus on the significance of details, it’s suggested that he may have been influenced by Aby Warburg, a German art historian known for a similar sentiment.

The phrase’s evolution from a divine to a more cautionary tone isn’t well-documented, but it found notable resonance with US Navy Admiral Hyman George Rickover. Dubbed “the father of the nuclear navy,” Rickover underscored the paramount importance of precision, famously stating that in the military, every detail matters, encapsulating the phrase “the devil is in the details” as a testament to the critical nature of vigilance and detail in achieving success.