Mastery by Relentless Questioning

““A curious man, Onassis,” Gratsos said, casting his mind back over these days. “He explores, asks a hundred questions, orders a report, asks more questions arising from it, never accepts a statement without checking. He masters the most complicated subject—then makes his decision.””

“Not one to look back in anger, Onassis set about infusing new life into his modest little business. When he took it over in the second half of 1956, the Greek National Airline boasted one single DC-4 and only half a dozen DC-3’s; the only foreign service was one weekly flight to Paris and London. What the airline needed was the Onassis touch, the Onassis label, and the Onassis money. He renamed it— what else?—Olympic Airways, formed a new company to which he made about fifteen million dollars available. Operating an airline was a new experience which required close study, and he was soon asking questions, questions, questions, learning as he went and enjoy¬ ing the challenge. Although this was a difficult business involving very big financial risks, he seemed to revel in it. Was it a hobby? The”