--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The profession of shaman has many…" description: "\"The profession of shaman has many advantages. It offers high status with a safe livelihood free of work in the dreary, sweaty sense. In most societies ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60b/robert-a-heinlein-209_advantage_the-profession-of-shaman-has-many-advant_2531197.jpg" --- # The profession of shaman has many advantages. It offers… ![“The profession of shaman has many advantages. It offers high status with a safe livelihood free of work in the dreary, sweaty sense. In most societies it offers legal privileges and immunities not granted to other men. But it is hard to see how a man who has been given a mandate from on High to…” quote by Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60b/robert-a-heinlein-209_advantage_the-profession-of-shaman-has-many-advant_2531197.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60b/robert-a-heinlein-209_advantage_the-profession-of-shaman-has-many-advant_2531197.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60b/robert-a-heinlein-209_advantage_the-profession-of-shaman-has-many-advant_2531197.jpg) > “The profession of shaman has many advantages. It offers high status with a safe livelihood free of work in the dreary, sweaty sense. In most societies it offers legal privileges and immunities not granted to other men. But it is hard to see how a man who has been given a mandate from on High to spread tidings of joy to all mankind can be seriously interested in taking up a collection to pay his salary; it causes one to suspect that the shaman is on the moral level of any other con man. But it is a lovely work if you can stomach it.” [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. The quote critiques the shaman’s privileged status, suggesting that despite high social standing, the role can be morally dubious if motivated by profit rather than genuine purpose. **In simple terms:** Shamanic power can seem corrupt when driven by money. Key Takeaway Question the motives behind privileged roles. Themes ethics power religion society Mood skeptical critical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - anthropology studies - religious leadership - political analysis Key Concepts moral ambiguity social hierarchy economic incentive Questions to Reflect On - What responsibilities accompany privileged positions? - How can integrity be maintained in roles with inherent power? A Different Perspective The quote assumes all shamans are alike, ignoring cultural variations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advantage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advantage/) [Con Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/con-man/) [Healing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/healing/) [Immunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/immunity/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Livelihood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/livelihood/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Privilege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privilege/) [Profession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/profession/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Shaman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shaman/) ## Related quotes > [“Inej knew the moment Kaz entered the Slat. 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