A Month of Literary Gratitude, Day 1 - Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Each year me and several of my friends do some writing about gratitude. Usually the topics are people, circumstances, health, life...but this year, inspired by the Incredible Jeri, we're doing a Month of Literary Gratitude.

In the Month of Literary Gratitude, each day I will give thanks for a book that has moved me in some special way. These books, in no particular sequence, will be profound, mind-expanding, hilarious, provocative, or simply hold a special place in my heart and memory. Some of them I have outgrown, some lacked meaning for me in the reread, and some improved over time. But all of them had import on my life when I read them.

The first book on this list is Starship Troopers, by Robert A. Heinlein.


I read this as a teenager, and it helped to shape my attitudes, feelings, and thoughts about what service to self, unit, and country was all about. It led me to a sense of longing for this level of comradery for myself, and inspired a stronger desire in me to serve.

I have since evolved my political opinions and left Heinlein far, far behind. But after all these years, the book still expresses some things about duty, honor, and service that ring true to me today.

You don't leave anyone behind, no matter what. Happiness consists of getting enough sleep. Violence settles everything. To permit irresponsible authority courts disaster. Authority and responsibility must be equal.

Thank you, Lieutenant Heinlein, for expanding my mind and my world. 

1 comments:

Jeri said...

That one is on my list too. What a surprise! ;)