“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, 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
What do you call two orthopedic surgeons reading an EKG?
A double blind study. 😊
Just Me,
Ha! Yes, specialists learn more and more about less and less.
A sound collection of skills, but I bet many of us can’t do them all! Great quote Mike. 🙂
Alli,
Maybe not all, but I agree one should aim for a variety of skills. It’s the cross-pollination that gives you the best ideas.
Good point, well made. I think you’re right. 🙂
He probably loses most people in his list but the last line makes the quote.
More importantly a human being should be curious!!!
Limiting yourself to one field sometimes bores you!!!
Loved it!!!
Hardik,
Exactly. We should venture out from our self-limiting specialties.
Exactly!
I’ve got this hanging on my wall. It’s all checked off. Now I’m adding stuff like learning to fly a plane. I refuse to live a life that’s boring.
williamrablan,
That’s the spirit. I think Heinlein would approve.
I decided to do my utmost to hit all those marks. Trouble is, you have to step way outside your comfort zone sometimes.
Tall order.
Naomi,
Yes, it is. But that’s the challenge.
Brilliant!
Sounds like a Mother. 🙂