It's by science fiction writer, Robert Anson Heinlein.
"A human being should be able to:
- Change a diaper
- Plan an invasion
- Butcher a hog
- Conn [control] a ship
- Design a building
- Write a sonnet
- Balance account
- 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
Specialization is for insects."
- Die Gallantly
It's sort of fascinating all the things that are expected of people to be able to do.
And this is a short list--I'm sure you can think of many, many more things that people have to be able to do to survive, to live, to thrive.
What complex and magnificent creations of G-d we are!
Not only in terms of our physiology, but also in terms of our cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual capacities and desires.
We are flesh and blood, but with a breath of life from the living G-d, and we are capable and can do so much.
At the same time, we are imperfect, limited, fallible, and mortal.
- Jack of all trades, and master of none.
Expect the best, but plan for plenty of mistakes and disasters along the way.
Live well, and return to the creator a better person. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
