The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creeds into law if it acquires the political power to do so, and will follow it by suppressing opposition, subverting all education to seize early the minds of the young, and by killing, locking up, or driving underground all heretics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religions often impose their beliefs as laws when they gain power, suppressing dissent and controlling education.
The quote by Robert A. Heinlein suggests that groups with power, particularly religious sects, will impose their beliefs on society by enacting laws that reflect their creeds. This enforcement not only includes suppressing opposing views but also aiming for early influence over the education of the youth, while using extreme measures against those who challenge their ideology. This reflects a broader commentary on the nature of power and the tendency of institutions to control thought and behavior.
Themes
ReligionPowerAuthorityEducationBeliefsSuppression
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in government during a panel on secularism.
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