The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
There comes a time in the life of every human when he or she must decide to risk ‘his life, his fortune and his sacred honor’ on an outcome dubious. Those who fail the challenge are merely overgrown children, can never be anything else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of taking risks in life and indicates that failure to do so results in stagnation.
In this quote, Robert A. Heinlein reflects on the necessity for individuals to confront significant challenges and take risks in their lives. He suggests that true growth arises from these challenges, and those who shy away from risking their 'life, fortune, and honor' remain emotionally immature, unable to progress beyond a state of childishness. The essence of personal development lies in embracing uncertainty and being willing to face the potential for failure, which ultimately leads to greater maturity and fulfillment.
Themes
RiskGrowthCourageMaturityChallenge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a team during a motivational speech about embracing innovative ideas in business.
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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If I am good enough and quiet enough, perhaps after all they will let me go; but it’s not easy being quiet and good, it’s like hanging on to the edge of a bridge when you’ve already fallen over; you don’t seem to be moving, just dangling there, and yet it is taking all your strength.
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