Delusions are often functional. A mother’s opinions about her children’s beauty, intelligence, goodness, et cetera ad nauseum, keep her from drowning them at birth.
Share with your friends
More from Time Enough for Love
A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits.
viewWriting is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
When the ship lifts, all bills are paid. No regrets.
Always listen to experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done, and why. Then do it.