Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending" is a profound statement that holds true in many aspects of life, including the life of Lazarus Long. Lazarus Long is a fictional character created by science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein, who appears in several of his novels. Lazarus Long is known for his longevity and wisdom, having lived for over two thousand years due to his genetic modifications and advanced medical technology.

In the context of Lazarus Long, this quote can be interpreted in a few different ways. Firstly, it can be seen as a reflection of the many new beginnings that Lazarus experiences throughout his long life. As a character who has lived for centuries, Lazarus has had to adapt to countless new beginnings, whether it be starting a new life on a different planet, embarking on a new adventure, or forming new relationships. The art of beginning is crucial for Lazarus, as it allows him to constantly reinvent himself and embrace change.

However, the quote also speaks to the importance of endings in the life of Lazarus Long. As someone who has lived for so long, Lazarus has undoubtedly experienced his fair share of endings – whether it be the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or the conclusion of an era. The art of ending is arguably even more important for Lazarus, as it requires him to let go of the past, accept change, and move forward with grace and dignity.

One of the key themes in Heinlein's novels featuring Lazarus Long is the idea of embracing change and adapting to new circumstances. In order to survive and thrive for over two thousand years, Lazarus has had to master the art of both beginning and ending. He has had to learn how to start anew with each new chapter of his life, while also knowing when to gracefully bring closure to the past.