The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Any priest or shaman must be presumed guilty until proved innocent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that those in positions of spiritual authority should be scrutinized and held accountable for their actions.
Robert A. Heinlein's quote reflects a critical view of authority figures, particularly religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and the need for proof of integrity in those who wield spiritual or moral influence. It implies that blind faith can be dangerous and that accountability should be a standard for all who lead or guide others.
Themes
AuthoritySkepticismIntegrityAccountabilitySpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of church leaders in modern society, one might say, 'As Heinlein said, any priest or shaman must be presumed guilty until proved innocent.'
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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.
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