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All societies are based on rules to protect pregnant women…

“All societies are based on rules to protect pregnant women and young children. All else is surplusage, excrescence, adornment, luxury, or folly which can - and must - be dumped in emergency to preserve this prime function. As racial survival is the only universal morality, no other basic is…” quote by Robert A. Heinlein
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“All societies are based on rules to protect pregnant women and young children. All else is surplusage, excrescence, adornment, luxury, or folly which can - and must - be dumped in emergency to preserve this prime function. As racial survival is the only universal morality, no other basic is possible. Attempts to formulate a "perfect society" on any foundation other than "Women and children first!" is not only witless, it is automatically genocidal. Nevertheless, starry-eyed idealists (all of them male) have tried endlessly - and no doubt will keep trying.”

Robert A. Heinlein

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues that protecting women and children is the sole moral imperative, dismissing other societal values as expendable.

In simple terms: Protecting the vulnerable is the only true morality.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize safety of the vulnerable.

Themes

ethics gender survival

Mood

critical provocative

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • family law
  • emergency planning
  • social activism

Key Concepts

Moral hierarchy population ethics gender roles

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ethical to prioritize one group above all?
  • How can societies balance protection with equality?
A Different Perspective

Such a view can justify oppression of other groups.

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