A Human Being Should be able to . . .
by Terry Laughlin

Posted on August 19th, 2010

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
-Robert A. Heinlein

Add this to the list : “Build or fix your own stroke and adapt and imprint it for distance or speed . . . and since specialization is for insects, master at least two strokes.”

2 Responses to “A Human Being Should be able to . . .”

  1. Alan says:

    Just what I’ve been thinking lately!

  2. Brian Sudeth says:

    Heinlein is my favorite SF grandmaster. So much of his writing and attitudes reminds me of my father. I deeply appreciate hearing his words from my mentor. So true and so great a goal. Be Brepared!

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