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Peace of My Mind

We all like lists.  I'm not sure I know why, but give a guy a 3 page essay or a list of 20 items and people will go for the list every time.  It, I'm sure, has everything to do with conciseness but probably an equal measure of laziness.  Whatever, today I present a list from a guy who lived for 2,000 years and surely learned a thing or two in all that time.

 Robert Heinlein wrote a book in 1973 called Time Enough For Love about the guy mentioned above.  His name was Lazarus Long. 


  • Always store beer in a dark place.

  • Small change can often be found under seat cushions.

  • If you don’t like yourself, you can’t like other people.

  • It’s amazing how much “mature wisdom” resembles being too tired.

  • Certainly the game is rigged. Don’t let that stop you; if you don’t bet, you can’t win.

  • Get a shot off fast. This upsets him long enough to let you make your second shot perfect.

  • The truth of a proposition has nothing to do with its credibility. And vice versa.

  • A brute kills for pleasure. A fool kills from hate.

  • 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.

  • If it can’t be expressed in figures, it is not science; it is opinion.

  • Your enemy is never a villain in his own eyes. Keep this in mind; it may offer a way to make him your friend. If not, you can kill him without hate — and quickly.

  • Cheops Law: Nothing ever gets built on schedule or within budget.

  • No state has an inherent right to survive through conscript troops and, in the long run, no state ever has. Roman matrons used to say to their sons: “Come back with your shield, or on it.” Later on, this custom declined. So did Rome.

  • Never appeal to a man’s “better nature.” He may not have one. Invoking self-interest gives you more leverage.

  • By the data to date, there is only one animal in the Galaxy dangerous to man — man himself. So he must supply his own indispensable competition. He has no enemy to help him.

  • A zygote is a gamete’s way of producing more gametes. This may be the purpose of the universe.

I haven't lived anywhere near that long, but I have gained some insights of my own.



  • Given the opportunity to talk or listen, listening is the better option.

  • There are some things that will never make sense:  TV signals, eternal space, and women.

  • Speaking of women, the best, purest love comes from a dog.

  • If you have to find a dark place to store beer, then you aren't working hard enough at its consumption.  

  • Sleep is fine, but nothing is better than waking to the sound of rain pelting the window, snow plows, or thunder.

  • Nothing gets the mind working more than being lost.  

  •  Stupid people don't know they are.

  • The Meaning of Life is different for everyone.

  • Self-driving cars will take the fun out of traveling.

  • We are all haunted by things we have done or haven't done.

  • Standing up for those who have no voice, or power is the most moral thing you can do.  Likewise, bullies are demons that walk among us.

  • Preparation is everything.

  • The greatest treasure we can have is a good friend.


What is your list?

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