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Are you a human being?
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:04 pm
by GunnyGene
Here's the criteria according to Robert A. Heinlein. I'm approximately 80% human having not done the items in italics, although I've come very close to dying many times.
“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.”
― Robert A. Heinlein
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:27 pm
by HenryFan
According to these standards, I might be 50% human, probably less.
I wonder if Robert A. Heinlein (whoever he is) can do all of these things.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:40 pm
by GunnyGene
HenryFan wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:27 pm
According to these standards, I might be 50% human, probably less.
I wonder if Robert A. Heinlein (whoever he is) can do all of these things.
He was a well known SciFy writer, engineer, Naval Officer, and philosopher.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_A._Heinlein
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 6:39 pm
by cooperhawk
well, except for set a bone and die gallantly, I've done most of the others.
(Well, some of the things I did were on a smaller scale).
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 8:01 am
by CT_Shooter
Heinlein's novel, Stranger in a Strange Land, has long been on my list of favorite books. I read it again a few years ago and, in spite of the digital revolution, it still stands up as an insightful examination of human religion, politics, and sexuality, and -- of course -- it's still a great read. Grok!
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:01 am
by BrokenolMarine
Here piggy piggy....
I'm still alive, otherwise, in one form or another,
Thanks to my careers... I'm good
(Um... Sir... How big does the vessel have to be?
)
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:06 am
by GunnyGene
A reminder: Save the last one on the list for last, if you can.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:09 am
by HenryFan
Gunny -
The last one on the list will be the last one on the list for all of us.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:12 am
by GunnyGene
BrokenolMarine wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:01 am
(Um... Sir... How big does the vessel have to be?
)
Looking back thru ancient history to the present, I'm not sure that matters.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:19 am
by BrokenolMarine
GunnyGene wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:12 am
BrokenolMarine wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:01 am
(Um... Sir... How big does the vessel have to be?
)
Looking back thru ancient history to the present, I'm not sure that matters.
Okay, I'm "almost" human.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:45 am
by DsGrouse
GunnyGene wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:04 pm
Here's the criteria according to Robert A. Heinlein. I'm approximately 80% human having not done the items in italics, although I've come very close to dying many times.
“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.”
― Robert A. Heinlein
This has been the quote at the end of my emails for going on 30 years.
Yes, I've done all but two conn a ship and plan an invasion. I've piloted craft, but not set a course to get there. Unless we are counting video games and TTRPGs for invasions.
I don't count die gallantly because if you've been a net benefit to society, you've earned that.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 11:46 am
by Redthies
I’ve never changed a diaper
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 4:09 pm
by BrokenolMarine
Redthies wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2024 11:46 am
I’ve never changed a diaper
Lucky you.
I went through the Marine Corps Gas Chamber nearly every year for thirteen years and got certified and recertified with LE level OC Spray (Mace) Throughout my patrol career... Diapers can be worse.
Re: Are you a human being?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 5:42 pm
by Mags
Not quite there yet. Still working on it.
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