Robert A. Heinlein Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"In a society in which it is a moral offense to be different from your neighbor your only escape is to never let them find out."

by:	Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) American writer
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Categories:	Crime, Morals, Oppression, Secrecy, Tolerance
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Reader comments about this quote:

Big Brother will eventually find out. -- Joe, Rochester, MI
lol, i like it -- Mike, Norwalk
I miss writers with the quality of Robert's mind. Truly one of our best. -- Eric, Atlanta
So yeah, we live in a free society. Hmm, I wonder and beg to differ. -- RKA, Wasilla, AK
I prefer to just commit the moral offense and speak my mind and let the old chips fall where they may, but yes at the Country Club and tap Heinlein is right and basically is repeating the old saw "when in Rome do as the Romans do" and "get along or go along". -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
You have to remember who Heinlein was. His idea of "being different" was immorality. And immorality is wrong. We all know what is right and wrong. lies, stealing, lusting, murder, blasphemy... these are all violations of what Yahweh has established as Law, the ten Commandments. It's what "sin" is, the violation of Yahweh's Law. Heinlein's opinion of God's Law was clear as he referred to it as "an albatross around the neck" and "a preposterous, unworkable and evil code". Frankly I would have liked he not beat around the bush so much and told us what he really thought! :) But remember, truth is subject to opinion. Heinlein could be as opinionated as anyone and his ideas would make no more difference than mine if they are not TRUE. So let's see, Heinlein must be referring to "Don't ask, Don't tell" policies. They worked only as long as you didn't have a war. As soon as that happened then the immorality couldn't be hidden anymore. Just remember, out of the mouth the heart speaks. Patrick@OnlyJesusSaves.com -- Patrick J Burwell, Newton, NJ
It is a big stretch to assume that Heinlein is condoning this form of fascism -- his writings never did. Waffler seems to agree not only with the statement but condones it. Burwell simply judges the man not the quote -- religionists cannot see one foot past their own nose. -- E Archer, NYC
Archer I neither agree or disagree or codone it. In fact as you know I speak my own mind. I do admit that it seems to be a statement of fact concerning human behaviour. I have met a lot of kiss asses in my time who subvert their own opinions in order to agree with those who they consider to be their social or business superiors. Some may call this politics. All I am saying is that I think Heinleing is right that such a thing exists in all societies. -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
If you are engaged in action, even suppressing your own natural inclinations, for the best interests of others, and for their general well being, then this is noble conduct. If however you do this to be deceptive, and for your own self interest, and believe yourself cunning and wise to have gotten over on others,,,well lets just say, this cannot be called noble. -- Ken, Milford Pa
Concerning Patrick of New Jersey, don't you just love it when religious fundamentalists chime in. Having been raised in a "Bible Church", I can say that the fundies are among the most opinionated people on the planet earth. Believe what they tell you to believe, or go to hell. -- jim k, austin
-- warren, olathe
If you are not different from your neighbor, the life process stops, ever proving it is moral to be different. Sorry no offense intended, but life must proceed. -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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