Arithmetic Quote by Robert A. Heinlein
“Our behavior is different. How often have you seen a headline like this?--TWO DIE ATTEMPTING RESCUE OF DROWNING CHILD. If a man gets lost in the mountains, hundreds will search and often two or three searchers are killed. But the next time somebody gets lost just as many volunteers turn out. Poor arithmetic, but very human. It runs through all our folklore, all human religions, all our literature--a racial conviction that when one human needs rescue, others should not count the price.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Human Condition, 1973
People often underestimate the cost of rescue, assuming others will help without considering personal risk, revealing a bias toward altruism.
In simple terms: Rescue efforts ignore personal danger.
Key Takeaway
Balance willingness to help with realistic risk assessment.
Themes
altruism
risk perception
human nature
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- emergency response
- volunteer work
- public policy
- community planning
Key Concepts
ethical dilemmas
social responsibility
cost‑benefit analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- When should personal safety outweigh helping others?
- How can societies better prepare volunteers for dangerous rescues?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic rescue expectations can lead to tragedy.
