The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Ability is a wonderful thing, but its value is greatly enhanced by dependability. Ability implies repeatability and accountability.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ability is important, but being dependable makes it even more valuable.
In this quote, Robert A. Heinlein emphasizes that mere ability is not sufficient for success; it is the combination of skill with reliability that truly enhances one's value. Dependability ensures that one's abilities can be trusted and effectively utilized over time, highlighting the importance of accountability in personal and professional achievements.
Themes
AbilityDependabilityReliabilityAccountabilitySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech to highlight the importance of being dependable in the workplace.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
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Democracy is a poor system of government at best; the only thing that can honestly be said in its favor is that it is eight times as good as any other method the human race has ever tried.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Long human words (the longer the better) were easy, unmistakable, and rarely changed their meanings . . . but short words were slippery, unpredictable, changing their meanings without any pattern.
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Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things.
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When a place gets crowded enough to require ID's, social collapse is not far away. It is time to go elsewhere. The best thing about space travel is that it made it possible to go elsewhere.
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