"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, balance accounts, build a wall, 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."
And also:
"Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks."
Lazarus Long, from Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love"
That's the joke! The quote is meant to be absurd. I've seen this quote generate some interesting discussion before. People seem divided into two camps over whether to take it seriously or as absurdist humour.
"Without a winking smiley or other blatant display of humor, it is utterly impossible to parody a Creationist in such a way that someone won't mistake for the genuine article." -- Nathan Poe
And also:
"Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks."
Lazarus Long, from Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love"