A fake fortuneteller can be tolerated. But an authentic soothsayer should be shot on sight. Cassandra did not get half the kicking around she deserved.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heinlein claims a fake predictor is harmless but a real one is dangerous and should be eliminated. He suggests truth-tellers who predict doom are unfairly punished.
- In plain terms
- Fake prophets are okay but real ones who warn of bad things get punished instead of listened to.
- What can you take from it?
- Truthful warnings are often rejected or punished by society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you react to bad predictions?
- Who decides who is a truthful messenger?
Another view
The quote advocates violence against truth-tellers which undermines its own message.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
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