Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Bluegill

Good quote, but showing my ignorance, who the Heck is Robert Heinlein?

Robert Anson Heinlein, 1907-1988, American Science Fiction Writer. A graduate of Annapolis, Heinlein's intended career in the USN was ended in 1934 by Tuberculosis. Unable to hold a job due to his health (and the Great Depression), Heinlein turned to writing.

He was a great proponent of space exploration and, while often critical of NASA for perceived deficiencies, was also a strong supporter since they were "the only game in town." I have been unable to find on-line the text of a speech he made listing a great many spinoffs of the space program for which it seldom gets credit; one of these was the medical advances used to correct a blockage in his carotid artery which added about 10 years to his life and 10 years of his writings to his published works.

The Apollo 15 astronauts named "Rhysling Crater" on the moon after a Heinlein character; Mars has "Heinlein Crater" named after the author himself.

Heinlein is a source of inspiration for many would-be self-sufficient generalists like myself (who aspire to be B+ or better at everything); see Specialization is for Insects.

Theo,

Very interesting, very interesting indeed. I plan to do some more reading on him. Self-sufficient generalist, I like that, really like that.

I'm glad I asked and glad you quoted him!

and he was a supporter of space exploration, to boot.

p.s. love that link and totally agree with it...send more if you have them.

Needs to add "build a pond" to that list. Thanks.

Theo -- The Past Through Tomorrow!! :-)

I really enjoyed all of the Lazarus Long stories, although Glory Road was also a competitor for favorite.

Dave