4 ms·

Yeah, since most or all of our interactions with authors is their writings, if they say asshole things, then we think they're assholes, which is reasonable. But

by uxp100 8y ago

Yeah, since most or all of our interactions with authors is their writings, if they say asshole things, then we think they're assholes, which is reasonable. But among the people I know, I know some who run their mouths too much but are kind and generous, and some who speak kindly, but have screwed me over (in pretty minor, but quite irritating, ways) There are multiple ways to be an asshole, and so maybe we should say Heinlein sounds like an asshole, but by many accounts was kind to those who knew him well.

TStowe 8y ago
I think we forget that we're dealing with brilliant, exceptional people when we speak of these authors. Like many of their characters, they're far beyond the norm in human intellect and capability. These are by far my favorite quotes of Heinlein and yeah, show that he demanded personal accountability and liberty, and probably didn't like unexceptional people. He loved brilliant and independent people, and characters, and was an asshole to the rest, and to those who opposed his philosophies. “An armed society is a polite society” is one that's floated often today among those pro-gun. “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.” I've encountered people that take these as him being a fascist, asshole or prick. Personally, I agree with him on both counts, and consider most people to be lack contributions to the human race for their lack of desire to learn and become competent, or for their inability to learn. If that makes someone an asshole, so be it.
- n4r9 8y ago
  You have to be careful with quotations that come from his fiction (as I think both those do) as opposed to essays or letters. That said, Heinlein did love writing the "competent man" character so there is a strong argument that this reflects his own views.

by uxp100 8y ago

TStowe 8y ago

I think we forget that we're dealing with brilliant, exceptional people when we speak of these authors. Like many of their characters, they're far beyond the norm in human intellect and capability. These are by far my favorite quotes of Heinlein and yeah, show that he demanded personal accountability and liberty, and probably didn't like unexceptional people. He loved brilliant and independent people, and characters, and was an asshole to the rest, and to those who opposed his philosophies. “An armed society is a polite society” is one that's floated often today among those pro-gun. “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.” I've encountered people that take these as him being a fascist, asshole or prick. Personally, I agree with him on both counts, and consider most people to be lack contributions to the human race for their lack of desire to learn and become competent, or for their inability to learn. If that makes someone an asshole, so be it.

n4r9 8y ago
You have to be careful with quotations that come from his fiction (as I think both those do) as opposed to essays or letters. That said, Heinlein did love writing the "competent man" character so there is a strong argument that this reflects his own views.