“Here, by the grace of God and an inside straight, we have a personality untouched by the psychotic taboos of our tribe - and you want to turn him into a carbon copy of every fourth-rate conformist in this frightened land! Why don't you go whole hog? Get him a brief case and make him carry it wherever he goes - make him feel shame if he doesn't have it.”

American science fiction author, engineer, and naval officer

Robert A. Heinlein was an American science fiction author, engineer, and naval officer. He is known as a major figure in twentieth-century science fiction, and is sometimes called the “dean of science fiction writers.” He was among the first writers to stress scientific accuracy in fiction, helping shape hard science fiction. His fiction and nonfiction often praise competence, encourage critical thinking, and place characters in situations that test conventional social values. His influence remains visible in the genre and in wider culture.