{"id":19865,"date":"2025-02-19T16:22:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/?p=19865"},"modified":"2025-02-19T16:48:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:48:49","slug":"robert-a-heinlein-life-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/short-stories\/robert-a-heinlein-life-line\/19865\/","title":{"rendered":"Robert A. Heinlein: Life-Line"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Synopsis<\/strong>: Life-Line<\/em> is a short story by Robert A. Heinlein, published in August 1939 in Astounding Science-Fiction<\/em>. It tells the story of the eccentric Dr. Hugo Pinero, who claims to have developed a scientific method for accurately predicting any person’s death date. Faced with the disbelief and contempt of the scientific community, Pinero challenges his critics with demonstrations that shake the confidence of his detractors. As the controversy grows, his discovery threatens to disrupt the social order and generate intense reactions among those who see his invention as dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Robert<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Life-Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Robert A. Heinlein
(Full story)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE CHAIRMAN rapped loudly for order. Gradually the catcalls and boos died away as several self-appointed sergeants-at-arms persuaded a few hotheaded individuals to sit down. The speaker on the rostrum by the chairman seemed unaware of the disturbance. His bland, faintly insolent face was impassive. The chairman turned to the speaker, and addressed him, in a voice in which anger and annoyance were barely restrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoctor Pinero,\u201d\u2014the \u201cDoctor\u201d was faintly stressed\u2014\u201cI must apologize to you for the unseemly outburst during your remarks. I am surprised that my colleagues should so far forget the dignity proper to men of science as to interrupt a speaker, no matter,\u201d he paused and set his mouth, \u201cno matter how great the provocation.\u201d Pinero smiled in his face, a smile that was in some way an open insult. The chairman visibly controlled his temper and continued, \u201cI am anxious that the program be concluded decently and in order. I want you to finish your remarks. Nevertheless, I must ask you to refrain from affronting our intelligence with ideas that any educated man knows to be fallacious. Please confine yourself to your discovery\u2014if you have made one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero spread his fat white hands, palms down. \u201cHow can I possibly put a new idea into your heads, if I do not first remove your delusions?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The audience stirred and muttered. Someone shouted from the rear of the hall, \u201cThrow the charlatan out! We\u2019ve had enough.\u201d The chairman pounded his gavel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGentlemen! Please!\u201d Then to Pinero, \u201cMust I remind you that you are not a member of this body, and that we did not invite you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero\u2019s eyebrows lifted. \u201cSo? I seem to remember an invitation on the letterhead of the Academy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chairman chewed his lower lip before replying. \u201cTrue. I wrote that invitation myself. But it was at the request of one of the trustees\u2014a fine public-spirited gentleman, but not a scientist, not a member of the Academy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero smiled his irritating smile. \u201cSo? I should have guessed. Old Bidwell, not so, of Amalgamated Life Insurance? And he wanted his trained seals to expose me as a fraud, yes? For if I can tell a man the day of his own death, no one will buy his pretty policies. But how can you expose me, if you will not listen to me first? Even supposing you had the wit to understand me? Bah! He has sent jackals to tear down a lion.\u201d He deliberately turned his back on them. The muttering of the crowd swelled and took on a vicious tone. The chairman cried vainly for order. There arose a figure in the front row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMister Chairman!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chairman grasped the opening and shouted, \u201cGentlemen! Doctor Van RheinSmitt has the floor.\u201d The commotion died away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor cleared his throat, smoothed the forelock of his beautiful white hair, and thrust one hand into a side pocket of his smartly tailored trousers. He assumed his women\u2019s-club manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMister Chairman, fellow members of the Academy of Science, let us have tolerance. Even a murderer has the right to say his say before the state exacts its tribute. Shall we do less? Even though one may be intellectually certain of the verdict? I grant Doctor Pinero every consideration that should be given by this august body to any unaffiliated colleague, even though\u201d\u2014he bowed slightly in Pinero\u2019s direction\u2014\u201cwe may not be familiar with the university which bestowed his degree. If what he has to say is false, it can not harm us. If what he has to say is true, we should know it.\u201d His mellow cultivated voice rolled on, soothing and calming. \u201cIf the eminent doctor\u2019s manner appears a trifle inurbane for our tastes, we must bear in mind that the doctor may be from a place, or a stratum, not so meticulous in these little matters. Now our good friend and benefactor has asked us to hear this person and carefully assess the merit of his claims. Let us do so with dignity and decorum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sat down to a rumble of applause, comfortably aware that he had enhanced his reputation as an intellectual leader. Tomorrow the papers would again mention the good sense and persuasive personality of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Handsomest University President\u201d. Who knew? Perhaps old Bidwell would come through with that swimming pool donation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the applause had ceased, the chairman turned to where the center of the disturbance sat, hands folded over his little round belly, face serene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill you continue, Doctor Pinero?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy should I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chairman shrugged his shoulders. \u201cYou came for that purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero arose. \u201cSo true. So very true. But was I wise to come? Is there anyone here who has an open mind, who can stare a bare fact in the face without blushing? I think not. Even that so beautiful gentleman who asked you to hear me out has already judged me and condemned me. He seeks order, not truth. Suppose truth defies order, will he accept it? Will you? I think not. Still, if I do not speak, you will win your point by default. The little man in the street will think that you little men have exposed me, Pinero, as a hoaxer, a pretender. That does not suit my plans. I will speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will repeat my discovery. In simple language I have invented a technique to tell how long a man will live. I can give you advance billing of the Angel of Death. I can tell you when the Black Camel will kneel at your door. In five minutes time with my apparatus I can tell any of you how many grains of sand are still left in your hourglass.\u201d He paused and folded his arms across his chest. For a moment no one spoke. The audience grew restless. Finally the chairman intervened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t finished, Doctor Pinero?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat more is there to say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t told us how your discovery works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero\u2019s eyebrows shot up. \u201cYou suggest that I should turn over the fruits of my work for children to play with. This is dangerous knowledge, my friend. I keep it for the man who understands it, myself.\u201d He tapped his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow are we to know that you have anything back of your wild claims?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo simple. You send a committee to watch me demonstrate. If it works, fine. You admit it and tell the world so. If it does not work, I am discredited, and will apologize. Even I, Pinero, will apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A slender stoop-shouldered man stood up in the back of the hall. The chair recognized him and he spoke:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Chairman, how can the eminent doctor seriously propose such a course? Does he expect us to wait around for twenty or thirty years for some one to die and prove his claims?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero ignored the chair and answered directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPfui! Such nonsense! Are you so ignorant of statistics that you do not know that in any large group there is at least one who will die in the immediate future? I make you a proposition; let me test each one of you in this room and I will name the man who will die within the fortnight, yes, and the day and hour of his death.\u201d He glanced fiercely around the room. \u201cDo you accept?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another figure got to his feet, a portly man who spoke in measured syllables. \u201cI, for one, can not countenance such an experiment. As a medical man, I have noted with sorrow the plain marks of serious heart trouble in many of our elder colleagues. If Doctor Pinero knows those symptoms, as he may, and were he to select as his victim one of their number, the man so selected would be likely to die on schedule, whether the distinguished speaker\u2019s mechanical egg-timer works or not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another speaker backed him up at once. \u201cDoctor Shepard is right. Why should we waste time on voodoo tricks? It is my belief that this person who calls himself Doctor<\/em> Pinero wants to use this body to give his statements authority. If we participate in this farce, we play into his hands. I don\u2019t know what his racket is, but you can bet that he has figured out some way to use us for advertising for his schemes. I move, Mister Chairman, that we proceed with our regular business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The motion carried by acclamation, but Pinero did not sit down. Amidst cries of \u201cOrder! Order!\u201d he shook his untidy head at them, and had his say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBarbarians! Imbeciles! Stupid dolts! Your kind have blocked the recognition of every great discovery since time began. Such ignorant canaille are enough to start Galileo spinning in his grave. That fat fool down there twiddling his elk\u2019s tooth calls himself a medical man. Witch doctor would be a better term! That little bald-headed runt over there\u2014You! You style yourself a philosopher, and prate about life and time in your neat categories. What do you know of either one? How can you ever learn when you won\u2019t examine the truth when you have a chance? Bah!\u201d He spat upon the stage. \u201cYou call this an Academy of Science. I call it an undertaker\u2019s convention, interested only in embalming the ideas of your red-blooded predecessors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He paused for breath and was grasped on each side by two members of the platform committee and rushed out the wings. Several reporters arose hastily from the press table and followed him. The chairman declared the meeting adjourned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The newspapermen caught up with him as he was going out by the stage door. He walked with a light springy step, and whistled a little tune. There was no trace of the belligerence he had shown a moment before. They crowded about him. \u201c\u2014How about an interview, doc?\u201d \u201cWhat d\u2019yu think of Modern Education?\u201d \u201cYou certainly told \u2019em. What are your views on Life after Death?\u201d \u201cTake off your hat, doc, and look at the birdie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grinned at them all. \u201cOne at a time, boys, and not so fast. I used to be a newspaperman myself. How about coming up to my place, and we\u2019ll talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few minutes later they were trying to find places to sit down in Pinero\u2019s messy bed-living-room, and lighting his cigars. Pinero looked around and beamed. \u201cWhat\u2019ll it be, boys? Scotch, or Bourbon?\u201d When that was taken care of he got down to business. \u201cNow, boys, what do you want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLay it on the line, doc. Have you got something, or haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost assuredly I have something, my young friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen tell us how it works. That guff you handed the profs won\u2019t get you anywhere now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease, my dear fellow. It is my invention. I expect to make some money with it. Would you have me give it away to the first person who asks for it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee here, doc, you\u2019ve got to give us something if you expect to get a break in the morning papers. What do you use? A crystal ball?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, not quite; Would you like to see my apparatus?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure. Now we are getting somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He ushered them into an adjoining room, and waved his hand. \u201cThere it is, boys.\u201d The mass of equipment that met their eyes vaguely resembled a medico\u2019s office x-ray gear. Beyond the obvious fact that it used electrical power, and that some of the dials were calibrated in familiar terms, a casual inspection gave no clue to its actual use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the principle, doc?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero pursed his lips and considered. \u201cNo doubt you are all familiar with the truism that life is electrical in nature? Well, that truism isn\u2019t worth a damn, but it will help to give you an idea of the principle. You have also been told that time is a fourth dimension. Maybe you believe it, perhaps not. It has been said so many times that it has ceased to have any meaning. It is simply a clich\u00e9 that windbags use to impress fools. But I want you to try to visualize it now and try to feel it emotionally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stepped up to one of the reporters. \u201cSuppose we take you as an example. Your name is Rogers, is it not? Very well, Rogers, you are a space-time event having duration four ways. You are not quite six feet tall, you are about twenty inches wide and perhaps ten inches thick. In time, there stretches behind you more of this space-time event reaching to perhaps nineteen-sixteen, of which we see a cross-section here at right angles to the time axis, and as thick as the present. At the far end is a baby, smelling of sour milk and drooling its breakfast on its bib. At the other end lies, perhaps, an old man someplace in the nineteen-eighties. Imagine this space-time event which we call Rogers as a long pink worm, continuous through the years, one end at his mother\u2019s womb, the other at the grave. It stretches past us here and the cross-section we see appears as a single discrete body. But that is illusion. There is physical continuity to this pink worm, enduring through the years. As a matter of fact there is physical continuity in this concept to the entire race, for these pink worms branch off from other pink worms. In this fashion the race is like a vine whose branches intertwine and send out shoots. Only by taking a cross-section of the vine would we fall into the error of believing that the shootlets were discrete individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He paused and looked around at their faces. One of them, a dour hardbitten chap, put in a word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all very pretty, Pinero, if true, but where does that get you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero favored him with an unresentful smile. \u201cPatience, my friend. I asked you to think of life as electrical. Now think of our long pink worm as a conductor of electricity. You have heard, perhaps, of the fact that electrical engineers can, by certain measurements, predict the exact location of a break in a trans-Atlantic cable without ever leaving the shore. I do the same with our pink worms. By applying my instruments to the cross-section here in this room I can tell where the break occurs, that is to say, when death takes place. Or, if you like, I can reverse the connections and tell you the date of your birth. But that is uninteresting; you already know it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dour individual sneered. \u201cI\u2019ve caught you, doc. If what you said about the race being like a vine of pink worms is true, you can\u2019t tell birthdays because the connection with the race is continuous at birth. Your electrical conductor reaches on back through the mother into a man\u2019s remotest ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero beamed. \u201cTrue, and clever, my friend. But you have pushed the analogy too far. It is not done in the precise manner in which one measures the length of an electrical conductor. In some ways it is more like measuring the length of a long corridor by bouncing an echo off the far end. At birth there is a sort of twist in the corridor, and, by proper calibration, I can detect the echo from that twist. There is just one case in which I can get no determinant reading; when a woman is actually carrying a child, I can\u2019t sort out her life-line from that of the unborn infant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see you prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCertainly, my dear friend. Will you be a subject?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the others spoke up. \u201cHe\u2019s called your bluff, Luke. Put up, or shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m game. What do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFirst write the date of your birth on a sheet of paper, and hand it to one of your colleagues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke complied. \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRemove your outer clothing and step upon these scales. Now tell me, were you ever very much thinner, or very much fatter, than you are now. No? What did you weigh at birth? Ten pounds? A fine bouncing baby boy. They don\u2019t come so big any more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is all this flubdubbery?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am trying to approximate the average cross-section of our long pink conductor, my dear Luke. Now will you seat yourself here. Then place this electrode in your mouth. No, it will not hurt you; the voltage is quite low, less than one micro-volt, but I must have a good connection.\u201d The doctor left him and went behind his apparatus, where he lowered a hood over his head before touching his controls. Some of the exposed dials came to life and a low humming came from the machine. It stopped and the doctor popped out of his little hide-away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI get sometime in February, nineteen-twelve. Who has the piece of paper with the date?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was produced and unfolded. The custodian read, \u201cFebruary 22nd, 1912.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stillness that followed was broken by a voice from the edge of the little group. \u201cDoc, can I have another drink?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tension relaxed, and several spoke at once, \u201cTry it on me, doc.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMe first, doc, I\u2019m an orphan and really want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about it, doc. Give us all a little loose play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smilingly complied, ducking in and out of the hood like a gopher from its hole. When they all had twin slips of paper to prove the doctor\u2019s skill, Luke broke a long silence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about showing how you predict death, Pinero.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you wish. Who will try it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one answered. Several of them nudged Luke forward. \u201cGo ahead, smart guy. You asked for it.\u201d He allowed himself to be seated in the chair. Pinero changed some of the switches, then entered the hood. When the humming ceased, he came out, rubbing his hands briskly together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s all there is to see, boys. Got enough for a story?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, what about the prediction? When does Luke get his \u2018thirty\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke faced him. \u201cYes, how about it? What\u2019s your answer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero looked pained. \u201cGentlemen, I am surprised at you. I give that information for a fee. Besides, it is a professional confidence. I never tell anyone but the client who consults me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind. Go ahead and tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am very sorry. I really must refuse. I agreed only to show you how, not to give the results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luke ground the butt of his cigaret into the floor. \u201cIt\u2019s a hoax, boys. He probably looked up the age of every reporter in town just to be ready to pull this. It won\u2019t wash, Pinero.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero gazed at him sadly. \u201cAre you married, my friend?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you have any one dependent on you? Any close relatives?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. Why, do you want to adopt me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero shook his head sadly. \u201cI am very sorry for you, my dear Luke. You will die before tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\u201cSCIENCE MEET ENDS IN RIOT\u201d<\/strong>
\u201cSAVANTS SAPS SAYS SEER\u201d<\/strong>
\u201cDEATH PUNCHES TIMECLOCK\u201d<\/strong>
\u201cSCRIBE DIES PER DOC\u2019S DOPE\u201d<\/strong>
\u201c\u2018HOAX\u2019 CLAIMS SCIENCE HEAD\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026within twenty minutes of Pinero\u2019s strange prediction, Timons was struck by a falling sign while walking down Broadway toward the offices of the Daily Herald<\/em> where he was employed.

\u201cDoctor Pinero declined to comment but confirmed the story that he had predicted Timons\u2019 death by means of his so-called chronovitameter. Chief of Police Roy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n

Does the FUTURE worry You????????
Don\u2019t waste money on fortune tellers\u2014Consult Doctor Hugo Pinero, Bio-Consultant to help you plan for the future by infallible scientific methods.
No Hocus-Pocus
No \u201cSpirit\u201d Messages
$10,000 Bond posted in forfeit to back our predictions
Circular on request
SANDS of TIME, Inc.
Majestic Bldg., Suite 700
(adv.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

LEGAL NOTICE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To whom it may concern, greetings; I, John Cabot Winthrop III, of the firm Winthrop, Winthrop, Ditmars & Winthrop, Attorneys-at-Law, do affirm that Hugo Pinero of this city did hand to me ten thousand dollars in lawful money of the United States, and instruct me to place it in escrow with a chartered bank of my selection with escrow instructions as follows:

The entire bond shall be forfeit, and shall forthwith be paid to the first client of Hugo Pinero and\/or Sands of Time, Inc. who shall exceed his life tenure as predicted by Hugo Pinero by one per centum, or to the estate of the first client who shall fail of such predicted tenure in a like amount, whichever occurs first in point of time.

I do further affirm that I have this day placed this bond in escrow with the above related instructions with the Equitable-First National Bank of this city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribed and sworn,
John Cabot Winthrop III<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 2nd day of April, 1951.
Albert M. Swanson
Notary Public in and for this county and state
My commission expires June 17, 1951.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood evening Mr. and Mrs. Radio Audience, let\u2019s go to Press! Flash! Hugo Pinero, The Miracle Man from Nowhere, has made his thousandth death prediction without a claimant for the reward he posted for anyone who catches him failing to call the turn. With thirteen of his clients already dead it is mathematically certain that he has a private line to the main office of the Old Man with the Scythe. That is one piece of news I don\u2019t want to know before it happens. Your Coast-to-Coast Correspondent will not<\/em> be a client of Prophet Pinero\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The judge\u2019s watery baritone cut through the stale air of the courtroom. \u201cPlease, Mr. Weems, let us return to our muttons. This court granted your prayer for a temporary restraining order, and now you ask that it be made permanent. In rebuttal, Mr. Pinero claims that you have presented no cause and asks that the injunction be lifted, and that I order your client to cease from attempts to interfere with what Pinero describes as a simple lawful business. As you are not addressing a jury, please omit the rhetoric and tell me in plain language why I should not grant his prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Weems jerked his chin nervously, making his flabby grey dewlap drag across his high stiff collar, and resumed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMay it please the honorable court, I represent the public\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a moment. I thought you were appearing for Amalgamated Life Insurance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am, Your Honor, in a formal sense. In a wider sense I represent several other of the major assurance, fiduciary, and financial institutions; their stockholders, and policy holders, who constitute a majority of the citizenry. In addition we feel that we protect the interests of the entire population; unorganized, inarticulate, and otherwise unprotected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thought that I represented the public,\u201d observed the judge drily. \u201cI am afraid I must regard you as appearing for your client-of-record. But continue; what is your thesis?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The elderly barrister attempted to swallow his Adam\u2019s apple, then began again. \u201cYour Honor, we contend that there are two separate reasons why this injunction should be made permanent, and, further, that each reason is sufficient alone. In the first place, this person is engaged in the practice of soothsaying, an occupation proscribed both in common law and statute. He is a common fortune teller, a vagabond charlatan who preys on the gullibility of the public. He is cleverer than the ordinary gypsy palm-reader, astrologer, or table tipper, and to the same extent more dangerous. He makes false claims of modern scientific methods to give a spurious dignity to his thaumaturgy. We have here in court leading representatives of the Academy of Science to give expert witness as to the absurdity of his claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the second place, even if this person\u2019s claims were true\u2014granting for the sake of argument such an absurdity\u201d\u2014Mr. Weems permitted himself a thin-lipped smile\u2014\u201cwe contend that his activities are contrary to the public interest in general, and unlawfully injurious to the interests of my client in particular. We are prepared to produce numerous exhibits with the legal custodians to prove that this person did publish, or cause to have published, utterances urging the public to dispense with the priceless boon of life insurance to the great detriment of their welfare and to the financial damage of my client.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero arose in his place. \u201cYour Honor, may I say a few words?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe I can simplify the situation if permitted to make a brief analysis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour Honor,\u201d cut in Weems, \u201cthis is most irregular.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPatience, Mr. Weems. Your interests will be protected. It seems to me that we need more light and less noise in this matter. If Dr. Pinero can shorten the proceedings by speaking at this time, I am inclined to let him. Proceed, Dr. Pinero.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Your Honor. Taking the last of Mr. Weems\u2019 points first, I am prepared to stipulate that I published the utterances he speaks of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne moment, Doctor. You have chosen to act as your own attorney. Are you sure you are competent to protect your own interests?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am prepared to chance it, Your Honor. Our friends here can easily prove what I stipulate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. You may proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will stipulate that many persons have cancelled life insurance policies as a result thereof, but I challenge them to show that anyone so doing has suffered any loss or damage therefrom. It is true that the Amalgamated has lost business through my activities, but that is the natural result of my discovery, which has made their policies as obsolete as the bow and arrow. If an injunction is granted on that ground, I shall set up a coal oil lamp factory, then ask for an injunction against the Edison and General Electric companies to forbid them to manufacture incandescent bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will stipulate that I am engaged in the business of making predictions of death, but I deny that I am practicing magic, black, white, or rainbow colored. If to make predictions by methods of scientific accuracy is illegal, then the actuaries of the Amalgamated have been guilty for years in that they predict the exact percentage that will die each year in any given large group. I predict death retail; the Amalgamated predicts it wholesale. If their actions are legal, how can mine be illegal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI admit that it makes a difference whether I can do what I claim, or not; and I will stipulate that the so-called expert witnesses from the Academy of Science will testify that I cannot. But they know nothing of my method and cannot give truly expert testimony on it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a moment, Doctor. Mr. Weems, is it true that your expert witnesses are not conversant with Dr. Pinero\u2019s theory and methods?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Weems looked worried. He drummed on the table top, then answered, \u201cWill the Court grant me a few moments indulgence?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCertainly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Weems held a hurried whispered consultation with his cohorts, then faced the bench. \u201cWe have a procedure to suggest, Your Honor. If Dr. Pinero will take the stand and explain the theory and practice of his alleged method, then these distinguished scientists will be able to advise the Court as to the validity of his claims.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judge looked inquiringly at Pinero, who responded, \u201cI will not willingly agree to that. Whether my process is true or false, it would be dangerous to let it fall into the hands of fools and quacks\u2014\u201d he waved his hand at the group of professors seated in the front row, paused and smiled maliciously \u201c\u2014as these gentlemen know quite well. Furthermore it is not necessary to know the process in order to prove that it will work. Is it necessary to understand the complex miracle of biological reproduction in order to observe that a hen lays eggs? Is it necessary for me to re-educate this entire body of self-appointed custodians of wisdom\u2014cure them of their ingrown superstitions\u2014in order to prove that my predictions are correct? There are but two ways of forming an opinion in science. One is the scientific method; the other, the scholastic. One can judge from experiment, or one can blindly accept authority. To the scientific mind, experimental proof is all important and theory is merely a convenience in description, to be junked when it no longer fits. To the academic mind, authority is everything and facts are junked when they do not fit theory laid down by authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is this point of view\u2014academic minds clinging like oysters to disproved theories\u2014that has blocked every advance of knowledge in history. I am prepared to prove my method by experiment, and, like Galileo in another court, I insist, \u2018It still moves!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnce before I offered such proof to this same body of self-styled experts, and they rejected it. I renew my offer; let me measure the life lengths of the members of the Academy of Science. Let them appoint a committee to judge the results. I will seal my findings in two sets of envelopes; on the outside of each envelope in one set will appear the name of a member, on the inside the date of his death. In the other envelopes I will place names, on the outside I will place dates. Let the committee place the envelopes in a vault, then meet from time to time to open the appropriate envelopes. In such a large body of men some deaths may be expected, if Amalgamated actuaries can be trusted, every week or two. In such a fashion they will accumulate data very rapidly to prove that Pinero is a liar, or no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stopped, and pushed out his little chest until it almost caught up with his little round belly. He glared at the sweating savants. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judge raised his eyebrows, and caught Mr. Weems\u2019 eye. \u201cDo you accept?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour Honor, I think the proposal highly improper\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judge cut him short. \u201cI warn you that I shall rule against you if you do not accept, or propose an equally reasonable method of arriving at the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weems opened his mouth, changed his mind, looked up and down the faces of learned witnesses, and faced the bench. \u201cWe accept, Your Honor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Arrange the details between you. The temporary injunction is lifted, and Dr. Pinero must not be molested in the pursuit of his business. Decision on the petition for permanent injunction is reserved without prejudice pending the accumulation of evidence. Before we leave this matter I wish to comment on the theory implied by you, Mr. Weems, when you claimed damage to your client. There has grown up in the minds of certain groups in this country the notion that because a man or corporation has made a profit out of the public for a number of years, the government and the courts are charged with the duty of guaranteeing such profit in the future, even in the face of changing circumstances and contrary public interest. This strange doctrine is not supported by statute nor common law. Neither individuals nor corporations have any right to come into court and ask that the clock of history be stopped, or turned back, for their private benefit. That is all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Bidwell grunted in annoyance. \u201cWeems, if you can\u2019t think up anything better than that, Amalgamated is going to need a new chief attorney. It\u2019s been ten weeks since you lost the injunction, and that little wart is coining money hand over fist. Meantime every insurance firm in the country is going broke. Hoskins, what\u2019s our loss ratio?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to say, Mr. Bidwell. It gets worse every day. We\u2019ve paid off thirteen big policies this week; all of them taken out since Pinero started operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A spare little man spoke up. \u201cI say, Bidwell, we aren\u2019t accepting any new applications for United until we have time to check and be sure that they have not consulted Pinero. Can\u2019t we afford to wait until the scientists show him up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bidwell snorted. \u201cYou blasted optimist! They won\u2019t show him up. Aldrich, can\u2019t you face a fact? The fat little blister has got something; how I don\u2019t know. This is a fight to the finish. If we wait, we\u2019re licked.\u201d He threw his cigar into a cuspidor, and bit savagely into a fresh one. \u201cClear out of here, all of you! I\u2019ll handle this my own way. You too, Aldrich. United may wait, but Amalgamated won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weems cleared his throat apprehensively. \u201cMr. Bidwell, I trust you will consult with me before embarking on any major change in policy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bidwell grunted. They filed out. When they were all gone and the door closed, Bidwell snapped the switch of the inter-office announcer. \u201cO.K.; send him in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outer door opened; a slight dapper figure stood for a moment at the threshold. His small dark eyes glanced quickly about the room before he entered, then he moved up to Bidwell with a quick soft tread. He spoke to Bidwell in a flat emotionless voice. His face remained impassive except for the live animal eyes. \u201cYou wanted to talk to me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the proposition?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSit down, and we\u2019ll talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Pinero met the young couple at the door of his inner office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome in, my dears, come in. Sit down. Make yourselves at home. Now tell me, what do you want of Pinero? Surely such young people are not anxious about the final roll call?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The boy\u2019s honest young face showed slight confusion. \u201cWell, you see, Dr. Pinero, I\u2019m Ed Hartley and this is my wife, Betty. We\u2019re going to have\u2014that is, Betty is expecting a baby and, well\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero smiled benignly. \u201cI understand. You want to know how long you will live in order to make the best possible provision for the youngster. Quite wise. Do you both want readings, or just yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl answered, \u201cBoth of us, we think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero beamed at her. \u201cQuite so. I agree. Your reading presents certain technical difficulties at this time, but I can give you some information now, and more later after your baby arrives. Now come into my laboratory, my dears, and we\u2019ll commence.\u201d He rang for their case histories, then showed them into his workshop. \u201cMrs. Hartley first, please. If you will go behind that screen and remove your shoes and your outer clothing, please. Remember, I am an old man, whom you are consulting as you would a physician.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned away and made some minor adjustments of his apparatus. Ed nodded to his wife who slipped behind the screen and reappeared almost at once, clothed in two wisps of silk. Pinero glanced up, noted her fresh young prettiness and her touching shyness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis way, my dear. First we must weigh you. There. Now take your place on the stand. This electrode in your mouth. No, Ed, you mustn\u2019t touch her while she is in the circuit. It won\u2019t take a minute. Remain quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He dove under the machine\u2019s hood and the dials sprang into life. Very shortly he came out with a perturbed look on his face. \u201cEd, did you touch her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, Doctor.\u201d Pinero ducked back again, remained a little longer. When he came out this time, he told the girl to get down and dress. He turned to her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEd, make yourself ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Betty\u2019s reading, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is a little difficulty. I want to test you first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he came out from taking the youth\u2019s reading, his face was more troubled than ever. Ed inquired as to his trouble. Pinero shrugged his shoulders, and brought a smile to his lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing to concern you, my boy. A little mechanical mis-adjustment, I think. But I shan\u2019t be able to give you two your readings today. I shall need to overhaul my machine. Can you come back tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy, I think so. Say, I\u2019m sorry about your machine. I hope it isn\u2019t serious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t, I\u2019m sure. Will you come back into my office, and visit for a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Doctor. You are very kind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut Ed, I\u2019ve got to meet Ellen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinero turned the full force of his personality on her. \u201cWon\u2019t you grant me a few moments, my dear young lady? I am old and like the sparkle of young folk\u2019s company. I get very little of it. Please.\u201d He nudged them gently into his office, and seated them. Then he ordered lemonade and cookies sent in, offered them cigarets, and lit a cigar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forty minutes later Ed listened entranced, while Betty was quite evidently acutely nervous and anxious to leave, as the doctor spun out a story concerning his adventures as a young man in Tierra del Fuego. When the doctor stopped to relight his cigar, she stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoctor, we really must leave. Couldn\u2019t we hear the rest tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTomorrow? There will not be time tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut you haven\u2019t time today either. Your secretary has rung five times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t you spare me just a few more minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI really can\u2019t today, doctor. I have an appointment. There is someone waiting for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is no way to induce you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not. Come, Ed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After they had gone, the doctor stepped to the window and stared out over the city. Presently he picked out two tiny figures as they left the office building. He watched them hurry to the corner, wait for the lights to change, then start across the street. When they were part way across, there came the scream of a siren. The two little figures hesitated, started back, stopped, and turned. Then the car was upon them. As the car slammed to a stop, they showed up from beneath it, no longer two figures, but simply a limp unorganized heap of clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presently the doctor turned away from the window. Then he picked up his phone, and spoke to his secretary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCancel my appointments for the rest of the day\u2026 No\u2026 No one\u2026 I don\u2019t care; cancel them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he sat down in his chair. His cigar went out. Long after dark he held it, still unlighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Pinero sat down at his dining table and contemplated the gourmet\u2019s luncheon spread before him. He had ordered this meal with particular care, and had come home a little early in order to enjoy it fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somewhat later he let a few drops of Fiori d\u2019Alpini roll around his tongue and trickle down his throat. The heavy fragrant syrup warmed his mouth, and reminded him of the little mountain flowers for which it was named. He sighed. It had been a good meal, an exquisite meal and had justified the exotic liqueur. His musing was interrupted by a disturbance at the front door. The voice of his elderly maidservant was raised in remonstrance. A heavy male voice interrupted her. The commotion moved down the hall and the dining room door was pushed open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMadonna! Non si puo entrare! The Master is eating!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever mind, Angela. I have time to see these gentlemen. You may go.\u201d Pinero faced the surly-faced spokesman of the intruders. \u201cYou have business with me; yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou bet we have. Decent people have had enough of your damned nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd so?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The caller did not answer at once. A smaller dapper individual moved out from behind him and faced Pinero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\u201cWe might as well begin.\u201d The chairman of the committee placed a key in the lock-box and opened it. \u201cWenzell, will you help me pick out today\u2019s envelopes?\u201d He was interrupted by a touch on his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Baird, you are wanted on the telephone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Bring the instrument here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it was fetched he placed the receiver to his ear. \u201cHello\u2026 Yes; speaking\u2026 What?\u2026 No, we have heard nothing\u2026 Destroyed the machine, you say\u2026 Dead! How?\u2026 No! No statement. None at all\u2026 Call me later\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He slammed the instrument down and pushed it from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d\u2014\u201cWho\u2019s dead now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baird held up one hand. \u201cQuiet, gentlemen, please! Pinero was murdered a few moments ago at his home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMurdered?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat isn\u2019t all. About the same time vandals broke into his office and smashed his apparatus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one spoke at first. The committee members glanced around at each other. No one seemed anxious to be the first to comment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally one spoke up. \u201cGet it out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet what out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPinero\u2019s envelope. It\u2019s in there too. I\u2019ve seen it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baird located it and slowly tore it open. He unfolded the single sheet of paper, and scanned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell? Out with it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne thirteen p.m.\u2014today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They took this in silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their dynamic calm was broken by a member across the table from Baird reaching for the lock-box. Baird interposed a hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy prediction\u2014it\u2019s in there\u2014we\u2019re all in there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, yes. We\u2019re all in here. Let\u2019s have them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baird placed both hands over the box. He held the eye of the man opposite him but did not speak. He licked his lips. The corner of his mouth. twitched. His hands shook. Still he did not speak. The man opposite relaxed back into his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, of course,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBring me that waste basket.\u201d Baird\u2019s voice was low and strained but steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He accepted it and dumped the litter on the rug. He placed the tin basket on the table before him. He tore half a dozen envelopes across, set a match to them, and dropped them in the basket. Then he started tearing a double handful at a time, and fed the fire steadily. The smoke made him cough, and tears ran out of his smarting eyes. Someone got up and opened a window. When he was through, he pushed the basket away from him, looked down, and spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ve ruined this table top.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE END<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Life-Line is a short story by Robert A. Heinlein, published in August 1939 in Astounding Science-Fiction. It tells the story of the eccentric Dr. Hugo Pinero, who claims to have developed a scientific method for accurately predicting any person’s death date. Faced with the disbelief and contempt of the scientific community, Pinero challenges his critics with demonstrations that shake the confidence of his detractors. As the controversy grows, his discovery threatens to disrupt the social order and generate intense reactions among those who see his invention as dangerous.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[883,552,570],"class_list":["post-19865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-short-stories","tag-robert-a-heinlein-en","tag-science-fiction","tag-united-states","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":559,"label":"Short stories"}],"post_tag":[{"value":883,"label":"Robert A. Heinlein"},{"value":552,"label":"Science fiction"},{"value":570,"label":"United States"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/lecturia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Robert-A.-Heinlein-La-linea-de-la-vida.webp",1024,1024,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Juan Pablo Guevara","author_link":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/author\/spartakku\/"},"comment_info":"","category_info":[{"term_id":559,"name":"Short stories","slug":"short-stories","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":559,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":424,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":559,"category_count":424,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Short stories","category_nicename":"short-stories","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":883,"name":"Robert A. Heinlein","slug":"robert-a-heinlein-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":883,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":552,"name":"Science fiction","slug":"science-fiction","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":552,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":123,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":570,"name":"United States","slug":"united-states","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":570,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":296,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19865"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19865\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lecturia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}