Robert Shea
Robert Shea
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert F. Shea was an American author, best known for his work on the Illuminatus! trilogy alongside Robert Anton Wilson.
Birth and Death Dates
Shea was born on June 2, 1933, in New York City, USA, and passed away on February 8, 1994, at the age of 60.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Robert Shea was an American author, primarily known for his science fiction, mystery, and fantasy works. He also worked as a journalist for various publications, including The New York Post.
Early Life and Background
Shea grew up in New York City, developing an interest in writing at an early age. After graduating from high school, he went on to study philosophy at Fordham University, later transferring to the University of Chicago. However, his academic pursuits were cut short due to financial constraints, forcing him to take a break and work as a journalist.
Major Accomplishments
Shea's breakthrough came with the publication of Illuminatus! (1975), co-authored with Robert Anton Wilson. This monumental work is often regarded as one of the most influential science fiction novels of all time. The trilogy consists of The Eye in the Pyramid, The Golden Apple, and Leviathan!.Notable Works or Actions
Apart from Illuminatus!*, Shea wrote several other notable works, including:
Cavaliere (1980), a historical novel that reimagines the story of Don Quixote in modern-day Italy.
* The Algebra of Justice (1991), a collection of short stories exploring themes of justice and morality.
Shea was also an active member of various literary organizations, contributing to journals and anthologies throughout his career.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Shea's impact on the science fiction community cannot be overstated. His work with Robert Anton Wilson on Illuminatus! not only pushed the boundaries of genre but also inspired countless writers, artists, and thinkers. The trilogy's themes of conspiracy theory, free will, and individualism continue to resonate today.
Shea's legacy extends beyond his writing as well. As a pioneer in exploring alternative forms of storytelling, he helped pave the way for future generations of authors experimenting with non-linear narrative structures.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Shea is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking works on the human condition, politics, and philosophy. His collaborations with Robert Anton Wilson have become a benchmark for experimental fiction, demonstrating that even the most seemingly disparate ideas can coalesce into something truly groundbreaking.
Through Illuminatus! and other notable works, Shea has left an indelible mark on science fiction, cementing his place as a visionary author who continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Quotes by Robert Shea
The world of work is not a straightforward career ladder as it was years ago. It's more like a jungle gym.
We ought to work collaboratively to fix what is now broken, which is a system that provides across-the-board pay raises to everyone regardless of their performance.
I think there may be ways to tame the organizational beast, though I have hardly room in this essay to do more than suggest that such means exist.
This whole phenomenon of the diversion of organizations from their purposes and ideals does not seem very serious when the scum rise to the top in the bridge club or the offices of a small magazine publisher.
Indeed, one of the most successful and influential religious organizations in history, the Society of Jesus, was consciously modeled along military lines by its founder, Ignatius Loyola.
It is instructive, for instance, to trace the computer industry's decline in vision, idealism, creativity, romance and sheer fun as it becomes more and more important and prosperous.
The Gnostics were rapidly driven out of business by the hierarchical orthodox Christians.
Military organization, like religious organization, can be seen as a paradigm of organization in general.