The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
The second best thing about space travel is that the distances involved make war very difficult, usually impractical, and almost always unnecessary. This is probably a loss for most people, since war is our race's most popular diversion, one which gives purpose and color to dull and stupid lives. But it is a great boon to the intelligent man who fights only when he must-never for sport.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Space travel can limit the feasibility of war, encouraging a more thoughtful existence.
In this quote, Heinlein reflects on the implications of space travel for human conflict. He suggests that the vast distances of space make war impractical, which could be seen as a loss for those who find excitement in conflict. However, for the wise individual, this serves as an opportunity to engage in meaningful actions only when necessary, rather than for futile entertainment.
Themes
SpaceTravelWarPeaceIntelligenceHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on space exploration, this quote could emphasize the peaceful potential of space travel.
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.
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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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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