Commonplace Quote by Robert A. Heinlein
“Each generation thinks it invented sex; each generation is totally mistaken. Anything along that line today was commonplace both in Pompeii and in Victorian England; the differences lie only in the degree of coverup - if any.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein, 1966
Societal attitudes toward sexuality repeat across eras, with only the level of concealment changing.
In simple terms: Sexual norms repeat, only secrecy varies.
Key Takeaway
Recognize recurring patterns in cultural taboos.
Themes
history
sexuality
culture
repetition
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
historical
When to use this quote
- Academic lecture
- media analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Social mores
historical cycles
public vs private
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern media shape our perception of past sexual norms?
- What factors drive the shift from openness to concealment?
A Different Perspective
Historical context shows each era claims uniqueness.
