George Bernard Shaw

Playwright, Critic

George Bernard Shaw was a playwright and critic known for his sharp wit and social critiques, particularly in works like 'Pygmalion' and 'Saint Joan.'

Born
July 26, 1856
Died
November 2, 1950
Quotes
1.3K
Rank
#59

About George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw — Life and Legacy

George Bernard Shaw was an influential Irish playwright and critic whose works often challenged societal norms and explored themes of love, class, and reform. His distinctive voice is evident in plays like 'Pygmalion,' where he critiques social class distinctions and advocates for personal transformation. Shaw's core philosophy revolves around the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own identities and destinies. He famously stated, 'Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself,' which reflects his belief in self-determination and the capacity for change. Shaw's quotes often reveal his sharp wit and keen observations about human behavior. For instance, his assertion that 'The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place' highlights the misunderstandings that frequently arise in human interactions, emphasizing the need for clarity. His critique of societal structures is evident in statements like, 'A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul,' illustrating his disdain for political manipulation and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Today, Shaw's insights remain relevant as they encourage critical thinking about personal agency and social responsibility. His ability to blend humor with profound social commentary continues to resonate, inviting readers and audiences to reflect on their roles in shaping the world around them.

Quote collection

George Bernard Shaw quotes (page 1 of 68)

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George Bernard Shaw Playwright, Critic
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"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

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"I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."

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"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."

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"Don't lose faith. Promise yourself that you will be a success story, and I promise you that all the forces of the universe will unite to come to your aid; you might not feel today or for a while, but the longer you wait the bigger the prize."

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"This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

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"Write your Sad times in Sand, Write your Good times in Stone."

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"Islam is the best religion and Muslims are the worst followers"

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"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute."

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"A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time. When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, The one I feed the most."

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"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

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"A cigarette is a pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end and a fool at the other."

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"Marx's Kapital is not a treatise on socialism; it is a gerrymand against the bourgeoisie. It was supposed to be written for the working class, but the working man respects the bourgeoisie and wants to be a bourgeoisie. Marx never got a hold of him for a moment. It was the revolting sons of the bourgeoisie itself, like myself, that painted the flag red. The middle and upper classes are the revolutionary element in society. The proletariat is the conservative element."

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"Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

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George Bernard Shaw Playwright, Critic
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"A socialist is somebody who doesn't have anything, and is ready to divide it up equally among everybody."

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