That's why he got Ar'alani, Eli, and Thalias he's like "I need smart people to talk to"
It's also why he hates Tarkin, he's just like "*sobs* WHY ARE THEY SO STUPID?!"
OOOOOOOH, the most recent Timothy Zahn book trilogies are an absolute must read, they're about his introduction into the empire, and his rise to power they are some of the best Star Wars books out there. I strongly recommend.