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"Poised between intransigent scepticism and uncritical credulity, it [science fiction] is par excellence the literature of the open mind."
- John Brunner
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| TANSTAAFL | ||
| There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. |
An essential element in the basic Heinlein philosophy; this is (as far as I know) the first appearance of this acronym.
| "Gospodin," he said presently, "you used an odd word earlier--odd to me, I mean..."
 (TANSTAAFL from 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert Heinlein) "Oh, 'tanstaafl.' Means ~There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.' And isn't," I added, pointing to a FREE LUNCH sign across room, "or these drinks would cost half as much. Was reminding her that anything free costs twice as much in long run or turns out worthless." "An interesting philosophy." "Not philosophy, fact. One way or other, what you get, you pay for." |
| Technovelgy from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress,
by Robert Heinlein. Published by GP Putnam in 1966 Additional resources -
|
The basic philosophy probably antedates Heinlein's use. For example, in 'TANSTAAFL: a plan for a new economic world order.' (Dos Utt, Pierre (1949). Cairo Publications, Canton, OH). This document shows that, as early as 1934 NY mayor Fiorello La Guardia said "È finita la cuccagna!", meaning "No more free lunch"
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'...small electric motors at the principal joints worked the prosthetic framework by means of steel cables...'
'Living protoplasm incorporated into the Ampek F-a2 recording system...'
'Twoflower's Luggage, which was currently ambling along on its little legs...'
'He came to as the ship went into free flight, arching in a high parabola over the plains...'
'The peculiar quality of this light, which gave it its great preeminence over all other penetrating rays...'
'The overworked leg motor would have to cool down before he could work on it...'
‘Where to, sport?’ the starter at cab relay asked.
