Theory
Minimizing the possible loss for a worst case (maximum loss) scenario.
Legacy
Von Neumann Architecture defines nearly every CPU built today.
Strategy
Peace is maintained only by the promise of total mutual annihilation.
Von Neumann believed that human conflict could be modeled, analyzed, and solved. He approached strategy without emotion, viewing it as a game of mathematics.
"It is just as foolish to complain that people are selfish and treacherous as it is to complain that the magnetic field does not increase unless the electric field has a curl."
Calculated implosion lens geometry for the Fat Man bomb.
Published 'Theory of Games' (1944), changing economics forever.
Defined the stored-program computer structure (1945).
Architected the strategy of nuclear deterrence.