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Robert A. Heinlein Quotes - Page 4

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What is supposed to happen in a democracy is that each sovereign citizen will always vote in the public interest for the safety and welfare of all. But what does happen is that he votes his own self-interest as he sees

What is supposed to happen in a democracy is that each sovereign citizen will always vote in the public interest for the safety and welfare of all. But what does happen is that he votes his own self-interest as he sees it... which for the majority translates as 'Bread and Circuses'.

Robert A. Heinlein
Self, Safety, Democracy

Happiness consists in getting enough sleep. Just that, nothing more.

Robert A. Heinlein
Sleep, Enough Sleep, Enough
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Starship Troopers”, p.46, Penguin

One man's theology is another man's belly laugh.

Robert A. Heinlein
Clever, Men, Laughing
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.226, Penguin

Whether the authorities be invaders or merely local tyrants, the effect of such [gun control] laws is to place the individual at the mercy of the state, unable to resist.

Robert A. Heinlein
Gun, Law, Tyrants

Being right too soon is socially unacceptable.

Robert A. Heinlein
Political, Politics, Strategy

Mighty little force is needed to control a man whose mind has been hoodwinked; contrariwise, no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free. No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him.

Robert A. Heinlein
Men, Mind, Bombs
Robert A. Heinlein (2007). “Glory Road”, p.318, Macmillan

Secrecy is the beginning of tyranny

Robert A. Heinlein
Trust, Secrecy, Tyranny
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.325, Penguin

Christ was crucified for preaching without a police permit

Robert A. Heinlein
Police, Christ, Stranger In A Strange Land
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Stranger in a Strange Land”, p.346, Penguin

Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.

Robert A. Heinlein
Science, Impossible Things, Done
"The Rolling Stones". Book by Robert A. Heinlein, 1952.

There is no such thing as luck; there is only adequate or inadequate preparation to cope with a statistical universe.

Robert A. Heinlein
Badass, Preparation, Luck
Robert A. Heinlein (2005). “Have Space Suit, Will Travel”, p.12, Simon and Schuster

Being privileged to work hard for long hours at something you think is worth doing is the best kind of play.

Robert A. Heinlein
Hard Work, Thinking, Play

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why. Then do it.

Robert A. Heinlein
Inspirational, Badass, Work
Time Enough for Love "Intermission" (1973)

Some people insist that "mediocre" is better than "best." They delight in clipping wings because they themselves can't fly. They despise brains because they have none.

Robert A. Heinlein
Wings, People, Brain
"Have Space Suit - Will Travel" by Robert A. Heinlein, (Ch. 9), 1958.

Never appeal to a man's 'better nature.' He may not have one. Invoking his self-interest gives you more leverage.

Robert A. Heinlein
Nature, Men, Self
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.227, Penguin

Anything free costs twice as much in the long run or turns out worthless.

Robert A. Heinlein
Running, Long, Cost

In a family argument, if it turns out you are right, apologize at once.

Robert A. Heinlein
Apologizing, Argument, Turns
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.322, Penguin

There are hidden contradictions in the minds of people who "love Nature" while deploring the "artificialities" with which "Man has spoiled Nature.'" The obvious contradiction lies in their choice of words, which imply that Man and his artifacts are not part of "Nature" : but beavers and their dams are.

Robert A. Heinlein
Funny, Lying, Animal
Time Enough for Love "Intermission" (1973)

Whenever women have insisted on absolute equality with men, they have invariably wound up with the dirty end of the stick. What they are and what they can do makes them superior to men, and their proper tactic is to demand special privileges, all the traffic will bear. They should never settle merely for equality. For women, "equality" is a disaster.

Robert A. Heinlein
Dirty, Men, Special
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.236, Penguin

Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss.

Robert A. Heinlein
Missing You, Strong, Drinking
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.325, Penguin

Stupidity cannot be cured. Stupidity is the only universal capital crime; the sentence is death. There is no appeal, and execution is carried out automatically and without pity.

Robert A. Heinlein
Stupid, Execution, Pity

All societies are based on rules to protect pregnant women and young children. All else is surplusage, excrescence, adornment, luxury, or folly which can - and must - be dumped in emergency to preserve this prime function. As racial survival is the only universal morality, no other basic is possible. Attempts to formulate a "perfect society" on any foundation other than "Women and children first!" is not only witless, it is automatically genocidal. Nevertheless, starry-eyed idealists (all of them male) have tried endlessly - and no doubt will keep trying.

Robert A. Heinlein
Children, Luxury, Perfect
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.225, Penguin

Those who refuse to support and defend the state have no claim to protection by that state. Killing an anarchist or a pacifist should not be considered "murder" in a legalistic sense. The offense against the state, if any, should be "Using deadly weapons within city limits," or "Creating a traffic hazard," or other misdemeanor.

Robert A. Heinlein
Peace, War, Cities

Taxes are not levied for the benefit of the taxed.

Robert A. Heinlein
Liberty, Debt, Benefits
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.235, Penguin

Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks.

Robert A. Heinlein
Inspirational, Excess, Flavor
Robert A. Heinlein (1987). “Time Enough for Love”, p.226, Penguin

Government! Three fourths parasitic and the other fourth Stupid fumbling.

Robert A. Heinlein
Stupid, Government, Three

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