The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Thinking doesn't pay. Just makes you discontented with what you see around you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overthinking can lead to dissatisfaction with reality.
This quote suggests that excessive contemplation or thinking can result in a sense of discontent with one's surroundings. It implies that rather than fostering satisfaction or understanding, deep thinking may lead to unhappiness as one becomes critical of the reality before them, prompting a disconnect from positive experiences.
Themes
ThinkingDiscontentPhilosophyRealitySatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech discussing the importance of action over analysis.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
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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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