The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
By cultivating the beautiful we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers, as by doing good we cultivate those that belong to humanity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fostering beauty and goodness enriches our lives and those around us.
In this quote, Heinlein expresses the idea that nurturing beauty and performing good deeds creates a positive impact on both ourselves and humanity. Just as we cultivate beautiful flowers, our actions and intentions can spread goodness and inspire others to do the same, contributing to a more compassionate world.
Themes
BeautyGoodnessHumanityCultivateFlowers
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'As Robert A. Heinlein wisely noted, by cultivating the beautiful, we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers.'
More from Robert A. Heinlein
All quotes βAn armed society is a polite society.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
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.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Similar quotes
To be constant is to be useful. To be useful is to realize one's true nature. Realization of one's true nature is happiness. When one reaches happiness, one is close to perfection.
ZhuangziRead
If, from time to time, you give up expectation, you will be able to perceive what it is you are getting.
Idries ShahRead
I think itβs intoxicating when somebody is so unapologetically who they are.
Don CheadleRead
When the mind loses its density, you become translucent, like the flower. Spirit - the formless - shines through you into the world.
Eckhart TolleRead
Most cooks try to learn by making dishes. Doesn't mean you can cook. It means you can make that dish. When you can cook is when you can go to a farmers market, buy a bunch of stuff, then go home and make something without looking at a recipe. Now you're cooking.
Tom ColicchioRead
We all like to look good. However, this basic human desire can often get in the way of our listening and our speaking. This tendency often evinces itself in two simple words: 'I know.' But if I know everything, what can I learn? Absolutely nothing.
Julian TreasureRead