The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. - Second Amendment to the Constitution An armed society is a polite society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of an armed populace for maintaining a secure and civil society.
This quote highlights the belief that a well-armed citizenry contributes to the security and order of a free state. It suggests that the right to bear arms is fundamental not only for personal protection but also for the collective safety of society, proposing that an armed citizenry promotes civility and politeness among individuals.
Themes
MilitiaArmsSecuritySocietyFreedomPoliteness
In practice
Example use cases
During discussions about gun control, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of personal liberties.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
All quotes →An armed society is a polite society.
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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.
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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.
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Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things.
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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.
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