I grew up during the times leading up to and during the Second World War. We were concerned with preparation for air raids, damage control and rescue. The science subjects were slanted in this direction also. I may have had a special inclination toward this field. Various military subjects, compulsory at college, enhanced my interest. Then after I got my engineering degree my employment at Nitrokmia RT., the explosives manufacturer, and under the leadership of Dr. Lszl Demny launched my professional career. After the war, as a chemical engineer I was involved with the most explosive chemicals as industrial intermediates, like acetylene and ethylene oxide. The processes to make those involved oxidation, where explosive limits of the raw materials and their intermediates were a significant consideration. In turn, this lead to the study of thermal runaways and ignition processes.