Robert A. Heinlein Quotes

1907–1988 United States

Robert Anson Heinlein (7 July 1907 – 8 May 1988) was one of the most popular, influential, and controversial authors of science fiction of the 20th Century.

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Also known as: Heinlein, Heinlein, Robert A., Robert A Heinlein, Robert Anson Heinlein, Robert Heinlein, Friday (novel)

Random Robert A. Heinlein quote

491 quotes

Faith strikes me as intellectual laziness, but I don't argue with it — especially as I am rarely in a position to prove that it is mistaken. Negative proof is usually impossible.

But mathematics Thorby saw no use in, other than the barbaric skill of counting money. But presently he learned that mathematics need not have use; it was a game, like chess but more fun.

Citizen of the Galaxy (1957)

There is no conclusive evidence of life after death. But there is no evidence of any sort against it. Soon enough you will know. So why fret about it?

Time Enough for Love (1973)

He seeks order, not truth. Suppose truth defies order, will he accept it? Will you? I think not.

The Past Through Tomorrow (1967)

Now look carefully at what I said. I said that I know that these things are asserted. I did not say that they are true.

To Sail Beyond the Sunset (1987)

A committee is the only known form of life with a hundred bellies and no brain.

Methuselah's Children (1958)

I looked it up later; he was right. Dad is an absolute mine of useless information. He says a fact should be loved for itself alone.

Farmer in the Sky (1950)

Correct morality can only be derived from what man is — not from what do-gooders and well-meaning aunt Nellies would like him to be.

Starship Troopers (1959)

“But this is crazy, Pete. They must be absolute, complete and teetotal nuts.”
“Any law says a cop has to be sane to be on the force?”

The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein (1999)

Leave it to “worthy causes”? That is thin gruel, my friend. Most of such money is sopped up by administration, i.e., eaten by parasites.

To Sail Beyond the Sunset (1987)

“How you behave toward cats here below determines your status in Heaven.”
“Really?”
“That’s straight out of the Bible; you can look it up.”

To Sail Beyond the Sunset (1987)

“Georges, I don’t know much about California politics—”
“My dear, no one knows much about California politics, including California politicians.”

Friday (1982)

Gravity’s books have got to balance.

Farmer in the Sky (1950)

Television leaves no external scars.

Have Space Suit—Will Travel (1958)

The concept of change baffled them.

Farnham's Freehold (1964)

We are all free—to walk our appointed paths. Just as a stone is free to fall when you toss it into the air. No one is free in the abstract meaning you give the word.

Farnham's Freehold (1964)

I can’t evaluate my opinions of right and wrong because I learned them from my parents and haven’t lived long enough to have formed opinions in disagreement with theirs.

The Number of the Beast (1980)

“From the ignoramuses we get for recruits I’ve reached the conclusion that this new-fangled ‘functional education’ has abolished studying in favor of developing their cute little personalities.”

Tunnel in the Sky (1955)

I had taken a partner once before—but, damnation, no matter how many times you get your fingers burned, you have to trust people. Otherwise you are a hermit in a cave, sleeping with one eye open.

The Door Into Summer (1957)

There comes a time in the life of every human when he or she must decide to risk "his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor" on an outcome dubious. Those who fail the challenge are merely overgrown children, can never be anything else.

Stranger in a Strange Land (1961)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Robert A. Heinlein (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.