Robert A. Heinlein

American science fiction author and aeronautical engineer (1907–1988)

4 quotes in the MindQuotes library.

About

Robert Anson Heinlein was an American science fiction author, born July 7, 1907, in Butler, Missouri, and died May 8, 1988, in Carmel, California. A 1929 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served as a naval officer until medically retired in 1934. He then turned to writing, publishing his first story in 1939. He authored numerous novels, including Stranger in a Strange Land (1961), which became a cultural phenomenon. He won four Hugo Awards and was the first SFWA Grand Master. He is considered one of the Big Three of 20th-century science fiction.

* 1907-07-07 — † 1988-05-08

Major works

Rocket Ship Galileo (1947)novel
Double Star (1956)novel
Starship Troopers (1959)novel
Stranger in a Strange Land (1961)novel
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966)novel

Key milestones

1929Graduated from the United States Naval Academy.
1939Published his first story, 'Life-Line,' in Astounding Science Fiction.
1974Named first SFWA Grand Master.

Themes

Individual libertySocial responsibilitySpace explorationGovernment and politicsHuman nature

Sources: nebulas.sfwa.org · mopop.org · britannica.com

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.”

— Robert A. HeinleinTheme · Science

Create visual

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, 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.”

— Robert A. HeinleinTheme · Personal Development

Create visual

“Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.”

— Robert A. HeinleinTheme · Wisdom

Create visual

“If you don't like yourself, you can't like other people.”

— Robert A. HeinleinTheme · Psychology

Create visual