Robert A. Heinlein

Death is an old friend; I know him well. I lived with him, ate with him, slept with him; to meet him again does not frighten me—death is as necessary as birth, as happy in its own way.

In past history popularly elected governments have been no better and sometimes far worse than overt tyrannies.

Some logics get nervous breakdowns. Overloaded phone system behaves like frightened child. Mike did not have upsets, acquired sense of humor instead. Low one. If he were a man, you wouldn't dare stoop over. His idea of thigh-slapper would be to dump you out of bed — or put itch powder in pressure suit.

A generation which ignores history has no past —and no future.

I note one proposal to make this Congress a two-house body. Excellent — the more impediments to legislation the better. But, instead of following tradition, I suggest one house of legislators, another whose single duty is to repeal laws. Let the legislators pass laws only with a two-thirds majority... while the repealers are able to cancel any law through a mere one-third minority. Preposterous? Think about it. If a bill is so poor that it cannot command two-thirds of your consents, is it not likely that it would make a poor law? And if a law is disliked by as many as one-third is it not likely that you would be better off without it?

A brute kills for pleasure. A fool kills from hate.

Whatever you do, do not let the past be a straitjacket!

First, what is it you want us to pay taxes for? Tell me what I get and perhaps I'll buy it.

Do this. Don't do that. Stay back in line. Where's tax receipt? Fill out form. Let's see license. Submit six copies. Exit only. No left turn. No right turn. Queue up and pay fine. Take back and get stamped. Drop dead — but first get permit.

Boats and ships are female because they are beautiful, lovable, expensive—and unpredictable.

"Sovereign," like "love," means anything you want it to mean; it's a word in dictionary between "sober" and "sozzled."

You listening, Bog? Is a computer one of Your creatures?