The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
We have our hands, we have our brains, we have the challenge all around us, and we have within (from whatever source) the will to strive. That is enough; there is no need to assert 'belief' in that which we do not, as yet, know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of our capabilities and determination in facing challenges, rather than relying on unproven beliefs.
In this quote, Robert A. Heinlein expresses that we possess the essential tools—our hands, our intellect, and our intrinsic will—to tackle the challenges that life presents. He suggests that confidence in our abilities is sufficient, and that one need not cling to beliefs about the unknown when we have the resources and inner strength to take action and strive for our goals.
Themes
MotivationStriveChallengesDeterminationWillpower
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to encourage a team facing a tough project.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
All quotes →An armed society is a polite society.
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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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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