The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
If possible, _x000D_ leave room for your enemy _x000D_ to become your friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that maintaining a sense of openness and forgiveness can transform adversaries into allies.
Robert A. Heinlein's quote emphasizes the idea that by allowing space for reconciliation and understanding, it is possible for those who oppose us to become friends. This perspective advocates for compassion over conflict, encouraging individuals to look beyond hostility and recognize the potential for collaboration and harmony.
Themes
EnemyFriendshipReconciliationCompassionForgiveness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming differences in the workplace.
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
He was well aware that of the two of three thousand times he had made love (how many times had he made love in his life?) only two or three were really essential and unforgettable. The rest were mere echoes, imitations, repetitions, or reminiscences.
Milan KunderaRead
In America there is institutional racism that we all inherit and participate in, like breathing the air in this room - and we have to become sensitive to it.
Henry Louis GatesRead
Will you, or will you not, quit me? I now demanded in a sudden passion, advancing close to him. "I would prefer not to quit you", he replied, gently emphasizing the not.
Herman MelvilleRead
I got a few marriage proposals in my 20s. I just wasn't ready. I just knew if I committed, I would've wound up doing something wrong, messing it up. I still felt like I had some living to do.
Queen LatifahRead
I once heard someone on a bus say that this guy had gotten under her skin. And it struck me as a remarkable thought - that someone would affect you so deeply they'd always be a part of you.
Jodi PicoultRead
Passive aggressors who are adept at this will have trained themselves to remain calm, while you get irritated and emotional.
Robert GreeneRead