[newsclues]

> No one in the developed world would want to finish a project faster and for less money if the cost had to be measured in human lives.

Depends. I think the Manhattan Project killed more people (not including using the bombs in combat).

[ciscoriordan]

Possibly including John von Neumann, one of the greatest polymaths ever. Everyday life now would be different if he had lived to a normal life expectancy instead of dying to aggressive cancer at 53.

[newsclues]

Louis Slotin was a scientific hero for myself as a young person.

[cs702]

Good point! I added " -- expect in extreme circumstances, like war" to the last paragraph. Thank you.