I saw this quote hanging on the wall.
It’s by science fiction writer, Robert Anson Heinlein.
“A human being should be able to:
- Change a diaper
- Plan an invasion
- Butcher a hog
- Conn [control] a ship
- Design a building
- Write a sonnet
- Balance account
- Build a wall
- Set a bone
- Comfort the dying
- Take orders
- Give orders
- Cooperate
- Act alone
- Solve equations
- Analyze a new problem
- Pitch manure
- Program a computer
- Cook a tasty meal
- Fight efficiently
- Die Gallantly
Specialization is for insects.”
It’s sort of fascinating all the things that are expected of people to be able to do.
And this is a short list–I’m sure you can think of many, many more things that people have to be able to do to survive, to live, to thrive.
What complex and magnificent creations of G-d we are!
Not only in terms of our physiology, but also in terms of our cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual capacities and desires.
We are flesh and blood, but with a breath of life from the living G-d, and we are capable and can do so much.
At the same time, we are imperfect, limited, fallible, and mortal.
– Jack of all trades, and master of none.
Expect the best, but plan for plenty of mistakes and disasters along the way.
Live well, and return to the creator a better person. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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