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, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialisation is for insects. ― Robert A. Heinlein
I love this quote from Robert Heinlein.
When I read it, I can’t help but imagine the person he is writing about. I don’t imagine any specific skill or capability they possess, but rather their rich story and personality. Someone able to do all of the above would have an amazing story to tell.
I also like how Heinlein draws his line in the sand, imploring his readers to be generalists, rather than a specialists. As someone who feels their interests, hobbies, and readings vary widely from year to year, I find solace in his encouragement to be a perpetual generalist.