The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
A touchstone to determine the actual worth of an "intellectual" - find out how he feels about astrology.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that a person's true intellectual value can be assessed by their perspective on astrology.
Robert A. Heinlein's quote points to the idea that individuals who dismiss or regard astrology as mere superstition may be revealing a narrow-mindedness regarding broader human beliefs and experiences. It provocatively challenges intellectuals to reflect on their openness to unconventional ideas, implying that true wisdom encompasses understanding and appreciating diverse viewpoints, even those considered irrational by mainstream standards.
Themes
AstrologyIntellectualismPhilosophyBeliefsWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on critical thinking, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of open-mindedness.
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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.
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