The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Nothing of value is free. Even the breath of life is purchased at birth only through gasping effort and pain... The best things in life are beyond money; their price is agony and sweat and devotion... and the price demanded for the most precious of all things in life is life itself--ultimate cost for perfect value
Interpretation
What this quote means
Valuable things in life come at a cost, often requiring effort and sacrifice.
This quote emphasizes the idea that nothing truly valuable is obtained without significant struggle or sacrifice. It suggests that the most meaningful experiences and achievements, including life itself, demand hard work, dedication, and perseverance, rather than being merely available or free of charge.
Themes
ValueSacrificeLifeEffortDevotion
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about achieving dreams.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
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