“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.”
– Lazarus Long, as written by Robert A. Heinlein.
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To this we might add: Build and airplane, Overhaul an engine for it, and fly it with good judgment and skill.”
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In the quote above, Heinlein is speaking of possessing and exercising real skills. Nothing the man did nor thought was part of the “check the box off” mentality that many people have today.
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Now, most “experiences” are bought on an hourly basis, complete with a photo op suitable for instant uploading to the requisite Face Book page. Conversely, Heinlein’s personal code was about the individual having actual skill, experiences and wisdom. Not to impress others, but for the simple human satisfaction of being a developed human with a richer life. When planning your build, make all other considerations secondary to learning and exercising skills, and then you will know the real rewards of homebuilding, the ones that go far beyond those who were seeking the easiest path to “check the box.”
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