Must be a yearning deep in human heart to stop other people from doing as they please. Rules, laws - always for other fellow. A murky part of us, something we had before we came down out of trees, and failed to shuck when we stood up. Because not one of those people said: Please pass this so that I won't be able to so something I know I should stop. Nyet, tovarishchee, was always something they hated to see neighbors doing. Stop them for their own good
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heinlein suggests humans have an innate urge to restrict others rather than themselves. He claims rules are often made out of dislike for what neighbors do, not genuine concern for safety.
- In plain terms
- People make laws to stop others from doing things they dislike, not to stop themselves from doing wrong.
- What can you take from it?
- Rules often reflect a desire to control others more than self-discipline.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we want to stop others from acting?
- Are your rules for yourself or for others?
Another view
The quote assumes most regulations stem from malice rather than legitimate safety needs.
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