Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
This is by far the best example of Heinlein's amazing storytelling ability.
It tells the story of Lazarus Long, the eldest man in the universe. He is a descendant of the Howards, a family known for their inexplicably long lifetimes. Due to both his genetic mutations and medical rejuvenations he has lived for over two thousand years. Not only has he experienced more than any other person who has had the honor to meet him, but his perspective offers a unique view of everything he encounters. Reading his thoughts is a joy.
The novel takes place in a time far into the future when a mass exodus of Earth has left human kind scattered over various planets. Interstellar travel is the norm, allowing a new era of pioneering and colonization. People live eternally in their youth through a process of rehabilitation that reimplants new organs and blood, allowing them to reach a physical age of many years past. The story begins with Lazarus receiving this operation against his will. We learn that he wished to die a peaceful, natural death, but was 'rescued' by his family so that they may benefit from his wealth of knowledge. The story then takes place half in retrospect, with Lazarus reciting his past adventures, and half in the years afterward, with Lazarus reestablishing his own immediate family through both his new wives and cloneing.
In this piece, Heinlein comes out in all his glory and sexual perversion, which often happen to be one and the same. Many pages are devoted to the explanation of genetics, which in turn reason that any mating is healthy as long as no debilitating diseases are likely to come from it. Feel like coupling with your sister? This new society of the future accepts it as common practice. Want to enter a polygamous marriage? As long as you draw up the necessary agreements between partners, anything is possible. Heinlein lives out his own fantasies of incest and lust through his characters. Just don't be quick to judge - this element of sexual liberation contributes a great deal to the story, and the set of values that Heinlein attempts to convey. Unless you can accept genetic freedom, you can't progress to this level of technological grandiose.
As I've found with all the Heinlein novels I've read, the best discussions stem from the computer dialogues. When does a computer gain so much 'knowledge' that it's own conscious awakes? Can a human 'brain' be transplanted into a flesh-and-blood body to become a legitimate human? This question is asked time and time again. Although a straightforward answer can never be given, Heinlein's perspective is enough to get the conversation going. I couldn't ask for more.
All in all - A very enjoyable science fiction read. Although the philosophies are never completely developed, Heinlein's work is a great stepping stone for larger thoughts. If nothing else, read the chapter titled "The Tale of the Man Who Was Too Lazy to Fail".
7/10 stars
This is by far the best example of Heinlein's amazing storytelling ability.
It tells the story of Lazarus Long, the eldest man in the universe. He is a descendant of the Howards, a family known for their inexplicably long lifetimes. Due to both his genetic mutations and medical rejuvenations he has lived for over two thousand years. Not only has he experienced more than any other person who has had the honor to meet him, but his perspective offers a unique view of everything he encounters. Reading his thoughts is a joy.
The novel takes place in a time far into the future when a mass exodus of Earth has left human kind scattered over various planets. Interstellar travel is the norm, allowing a new era of pioneering and colonization. People live eternally in their youth through a process of rehabilitation that reimplants new organs and blood, allowing them to reach a physical age of many years past. The story begins with Lazarus receiving this operation against his will. We learn that he wished to die a peaceful, natural death, but was 'rescued' by his family so that they may benefit from his wealth of knowledge. The story then takes place half in retrospect, with Lazarus reciting his past adventures, and half in the years afterward, with Lazarus reestablishing his own immediate family through both his new wives and cloneing.
In this piece, Heinlein comes out in all his glory and sexual perversion, which often happen to be one and the same. Many pages are devoted to the explanation of genetics, which in turn reason that any mating is healthy as long as no debilitating diseases are likely to come from it. Feel like coupling with your sister? This new society of the future accepts it as common practice. Want to enter a polygamous marriage? As long as you draw up the necessary agreements between partners, anything is possible. Heinlein lives out his own fantasies of incest and lust through his characters. Just don't be quick to judge - this element of sexual liberation contributes a great deal to the story, and the set of values that Heinlein attempts to convey. Unless you can accept genetic freedom, you can't progress to this level of technological grandiose.
As I've found with all the Heinlein novels I've read, the best discussions stem from the computer dialogues. When does a computer gain so much 'knowledge' that it's own conscious awakes? Can a human 'brain' be transplanted into a flesh-and-blood body to become a legitimate human? This question is asked time and time again. Although a straightforward answer can never be given, Heinlein's perspective is enough to get the conversation going. I couldn't ask for more.
All in all - A very enjoyable science fiction read. Although the philosophies are never completely developed, Heinlein's work is a great stepping stone for larger thoughts. If nothing else, read the chapter titled "The Tale of the Man Who Was Too Lazy to Fail".
7/10 stars
