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To: GeronL
That's a Heinlein book I don’t want to read.

Many of Heinlein's books explore alternative ways of evaluating "morality," leaving it to the reader to respond, "No way that'll work, but thanks for playing," if he chooses.

I did not like Stranger in a Strange Land, but it contained one, imo, brilliant idea: the "fair witness," a person trained and licensed to report accurately what he observed. For example, the character was asked, "What color is that building?" and replied, "The side I can see is white." Imagine how much confusion and argument would be avoided if people stated only what they actually observed, rather than what they assumed.

10 posted on 02/01/2010 12:56:00 PM PST by Tax-chick (Thou hast well drunken, man - who's the fool now?)
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To: Tax-chick

I will defend Heinlein’s every written word until my last breath. Heinlein is the reason I am a conservative. He taught me that conservatism is the true proponent of free thought, and that its principles of Liberty and Freedom are truly universal and eternal. Check out my screen name. Greatest book ever. :0)


14 posted on 02/01/2010 1:12:49 PM PST by FreeLuna
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To: Tax-chick
I read all of RAH's books over and over again in high school. Loved them!

The concept of a "Fair Witness" struck me too. It owuld be nice to have such people around. I also loved the concept of some hick hillbilly kid being on a space ship and in the midst of turmoil the kid figures out how to navigate in space by doing the math in his head while astounding all those around him.

Robert A. Heinlein was the best science fiction writer of all time.

16 posted on 02/01/2010 1:19:28 PM PST by isthisnickcool (GIVE ME YOUR MONEY B***!! - President Obama)
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