Heinlein was… complicated
I wrote an editorial before that threw author Robert Heinlein under the bus for saying, “An armed society is a polite society.”
I’ve since been made aware that I was the one in error.
While Heinlein did write that line, and I do still think the statement, if made with no context, is wrong, the context Heinlein presented it changes it. Proponents of open carry laws and general armament of the public often cite the quote as directly from and supported by Heinlein, and I accepted their premise, but that was my mistake.
Those were actually the words of one of Heinlein’s characters in “Beyond This Horizon” a book focusing on the themes of reincarnation, immortality, and genetic manipulation.
"Beyond This Horizon" explores a future where advanced genetic engineering has created a utopian society, but not without a unique twist on the role of firearms within.
The protagonist, Hamilton Felix, is the epitome of genetic perfection - strong, intelligent, and disease-resistant. However, in this seemingly perfect society, where order and decorum prevail, dueling with guns has become a commonly accepted method of settling disputes and establishing social dominance.
In the book, the tradition dates back centuries, originating from a time when honor and reputation held utmost importance. Over the years, dueling has evolved into an intricate ritual, with rules and protocols dictating every aspect of the encounter. Participants choose their seconds, select the time and location, and meticulously follow the prescribed steps leading up to the confrontation. The anticipation and tension that builds before a duel is palpable, as both parties prepare to defend their honor with deadly precision.
As the story progresses, Hamilton proposes a radical idea to the society's geneticists: that the pursuit of a better society should be the ultimate goal, rather than simply enhancing personal, physical abilities. Throughout the novel, the presence of guns serves as a constant reminder of the paradox existing within this 'utopia', where violence still finds a place despite technological and biological advancements.
In essence, while "Beyond This Horizon" is a tale of a genetically engineered utopia, it's also a commentary on societal norms and the surprising, enduring role of firearms in shaping social dynamics.
However, this was not an endorsement of the idea of universal open-carry of firearms by Heinlein. It was an exploration of the complexities and flaws of the idea, even in an otherwise utopian setting. Furthermore, the gunfights of this alternate reality are based in honor and protocol, not the random street violence and vigilantism we see occurring with firearms in the here and now.
So, I was wrong in saying that Heinlein was wrong.
I should have said that the people taking that quote out of context and attributing it to Heinlein are wrong and wrong to do so.
