The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Don't ever become a pessimist... a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining an optimistic outlook on life despite its challenges.
In this quote, Robert A. Heinlein highlights the contrast between pessimism and optimism. While pessimists may often have a more realistic view of situations, it's the optimists who tend to enjoy life more fully. Ultimately, regardless of one's viewpoint, the passage of time and events continues, suggesting that a positive attitude can lead to a more fulfilling experience.
Themes
PessimismOptimismLifeFunEvents
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about resilience and positivity.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
All quotes βAn armed society is a polite society.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Similar quotes
To hope till hope creates_x000D_ _x000D_ From its own wreck the thing it contemplates.
Percy Bysshe ShelleyRead
No matter how hot the water from your well, it will not cook your rice.
Amilcar CabralRead
The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God. Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics, and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death so that we may also share their crowns of glory.
John Of DamascusRead
If a person's basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.
Dalai LamaRead
Follow not truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth.
George HerbertRead
I see disappointment as something small and aggregate rather than something unified or great. With a little effort, every failure can be turned into something good.
Eleanor CattonRead