The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
An armed society is a polite society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A society where people are armed creates a greater respect for personal boundaries and civility.
This quote suggests that when individuals have the means to defend themselves, they are more likely to behave courteously towards one another. The underlying idea is that the potential for self-defense can lead to a more respectful and civil society, as people recognize the seriousness of interactions and the consequences of conflict.
Themes
SocietyPoliticsRespectCivilitySelf-Defense
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about gun control, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of personal security.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
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A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity.
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