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About this quote

What does it mean?
Children act freely without needing justification.
In plain terms
Kids don't need to explain themselves.
What can you take from it?
Allow children freedom to explore.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • education
  • social norms

Putting it to work

  • Respect child autonomy
  • Avoid over-questioning

Questions to consider

  • When do rules help kids?
  • Is freedom always good?

Another view

Children sometimes need guidance.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

  1. It's amazing how much 'mature wisdom' resembles being too tired.

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  2. Masturbation is cheap, clean, convenient, and free of any possibility of wrongdoing - and you don't have to go home in the cold. But it's lonely.

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  3. It may be better to be a live jackal than a dead lion, but it is better still to be a live lion. And usually easier.

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