The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
My old man says when it's time to be counted, the important thing is to be man enough to stand up.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of moral courage and standing up for what is right.
Robert A. Heinlein highlights the significance of having the courage to take a stand when it matters most. It conveys that true character is revealed in difficult moments when one's principles are at stake, urging individuals to be brave and accountable.
In practice
Use this quote when discussing the importance of integrity in leadership.
The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
An armed society is a polite society.
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.
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.
Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things.
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.
Fear is never a reason for quitting; it is only an excuse.
Not responding is a response--we are equally responsible for what we don't do. In the case of animal slaughter, to throw your hands in the air is to wrap your fingers around a knife handle.
I think the Negro people should feel secure enough by now to face a reasonable ridicule without terror. I am unalterably opposed to all efforts to put down free speech, whatever the excuse.
In these cases, where there is an unjust aggression, I can only say that it is licit to stop the unjust aggressor. I emphasize the word: "stop". I'm not saying drop bombs, make war, but stop the aggressor. The means used to stop him would have to be evaluated.
I have made speeches urging women to adopt methods of rebellion such as have been adopted by men in every revolution.
We are here to advance the cause of women and to advance the cause of democracy and to make it absolutely clear that the two are inseparable.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.