3 ms·
I like this analogy a lot, and hadn’t thought of it that way. To me the quote also meant that knowing disparate things could lead to useful knowledge to the in
by spacephysics 4y ago
I like this analogy a lot, and hadn’t thought of it that way.
To me the quote also meant that knowing disparate things could lead to useful knowledge to the individual, even if they didn’t think so before.
A programmer learning how to fix an engine, despite not being interested in cars, may give them insights into how systems work that can be applied in their programming work
- leobg 4y agoI’m not even sure he thought of it as a utilitarian thing. The answer to OP’s question might depend on whether you’re trying to solve for maximum monetary profit / social influence or for inner contentment. I think the Heinlein quote addresses the latter question. I mean, Bill Gates probably never cooked a meal in his life (I believe he said so somewhere).
- eternityforest 4y agoI didn't think of that! Do average people commonly feel an inner disquiet over the fact they lack skills, or is the quote saying that learning skills will help with the vague mental unwellness people might have but don't know why? For the most part I've always known, or at least thought Ive known, Why I'm Miserable, and the only skills that have a part in it are math and driving a car, and a few highly specialist things I wish I'd learned, like going into industrial controls. I do know people who are uncomfortable being a specialist that couldn't function without industrial society as we know it, but the quote seems to paint it as a universal thing.