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About this quote

What does it mean?
The astronauts who went to the Moon displayed high moral behavior because their actions helped ensure the survival of humanity as a whole.
In plain terms
The moon astronauts were morally brave because they helped humanity survive.
What can you take from it?
Exploration can serve the greater good of human survival.

Where it applies

  • space policy
  • scientific endeavor
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • support exploration
  • prioritize long-term survival
  • fund science

Questions to consider

  • What serves humanity best?
  • Is space worth the cost?

Another view

Space spending might not help people on Earth.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

  1. The next level in moral behavior higher than that exhibited by the baboon is that in which duty and loyalty are shown toward a group of your own kind too large…

    Permalink to quote #159
  2. Many short-sighted fools think that going to the Moon was just a stunt. But the astronauts knew the meaning of what they were doing, as is shown by Neil Armstr…

    Permalink to quote #161
  3. Evolution is a process that never stops. Baboons who fail to exhibit moral behavior do not survive; they wind up as meat for leopards.

    Permalink to quote #158

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