Why Some Dislike Robert A. Heinlein's Work Despite Its Popularity

While I still hold a deep affection for Heinlein's books, what I appreciate about them has certainly evolved over time. Despite his works being popular during his lifetime and remaining so to today, some find his writing off-putting. This is a reality that many authors of great literary merit face - not everyone will enjoy or connect with their work.

Neo-fascist Tones and Countercultural Themes

One of the central reasons why some find Heinlein's work distasteful lies in what can be interpreted as neo-fascist undertones. Even his acclaimed novel, Stranger in a Strange Land, attempts to portray a libertarian counterculture. However, some perceive authoritarian overtones instead. Additionally, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, Heinlein's loosest and most accessible work, often gets overlooked for its more complex themes.

Ancient Influence and Pedantic Write

Heinlein was known for blending historical and sociopolitical elements into his narratives, often drawing from classical works such as Plato's Republic. The World Federation of his novel Starship Troopers, a prime example of his pedantic style, is based on a society that closely resembles Sparta. This trope has been criticized as representing militia governance, which critics seem to miss the context of how this was intended.

Political Affiliations and Literary Influence

It's important to note that Heinlein's political leanings weren't always clear-cut. He was a Naval Academy graduate and generally conservative, with his political stance evolving over time. His early works for juveniles didn't emphasize his conservative views, but Starship Troopers certainly did. This book, coming out just after the McCarthy Hearings, resonated with conservatives but was largely misunderstood by liberals who saw it as fascist.

Some critics claim his later works, including Stranger in a Strange Land, have a neo-fascist undertone. However, this view is misguided. Stranger in a Strange Land actually addresses themes that anticipate the unhealthy influence of Evangelical Christianity on society and includes elements of the California Dreaming/counter-culture lifestyle. His books like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress and Sunset also incorporate themes of communal living and group activities, reflecting a different kind of liberal counter-culture.

Conservative Influence and Personal Beliefs

Heinlein’s history of disliking the anti-war movement and rejecting the sophistry of modern philosophers like Noam Chomsky points to a more libertarian and conservative worldview. However, his work is not monolithic. Some of his later books evidence a more nuanced approach. While his political views may not align with modern conservatism, he wasn't against groups like the VA or service members in general. In fact, works such as The Cat Who Walks Through Walls celebrate the strength and unity of veterans.

The Case of Starship Troopers

Starship Troopers is often seen as Heinlein's most controversial and politically charged work. Its portrayal of a militarized society and the glorification of service has led many to call it fascist. However, much of this criticism is rooted in a misunderstanding of the historical context and the literary techniques Heinlein used. The book was written in 1958 and published in 1959, a time when corporal punishment in schools was still widely approved (including by Dr. Benjamin Spock).

The perception that Heinlein was trying to normalize child abuse is absurd. The book's focus on disciplined and militarized service provides a critique rather than a glorification of a totalitarian state. Critics miss the progressive elements of his work, such as the emphasis on human rights and the value of individual freedom, which are often overshadowed by the more contentious historical context in which it was written.

Heinlein's work represents a mix of libertarian and conservative ideas, and his later books display a grumpier, more critical view akin to former presidential candidate Ross Perot, who was also known for his conservative and skeptical stance.