“In Wilson's scale of evaluations breakfast rated just after life itself and ahead of the chance of immortality.”

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Meaning

The quote humorously exaggerates how highly Wilson values breakfast. It places breakfast above even the possibility of immortality, which suggests it is treated as an almost sacred necessity. The joke depends on the contrast between an ordinary meal and enormous abstract values like life and immortality.

When It Was Said

2005

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

By His Bootstraps (p. 238)

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote: By His Bootstraps (p. 238).

Did You Know?

Wikiquote cites this line from By His Bootstraps (p. 238).

About Robert A. Heinlein

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.

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1987

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The Door into Summer

1986

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The Puppet Masters

1990

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