George Bernard Shaw Quotes (95+)

Enjoy the best George Bernard Shaw Quotes. Quotations by George Bernard Shaw (Playwright, Critic, Polemicist, Political Activist)
Jul 26, 1856 - Nov 02, 1950

 

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

To have what you want is wealth, but doing it without wealth is power.

You see things; and you say Why? But I dream things that never were; and I say Why not?

First love is only a little foolishness and a lot of curiosity.

George Bernard Shaw

The best place tofind God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by theresponsibility for our future.

The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity.

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.

The greatest of all sins is to be conscious of none.

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.

Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time.

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist renowned for his wit, intelligence, and unyielding advocacy for social and political reform. With a prolific body of work that spans more than sixty years, Shaw left an indelible mark on the literary and theatrical landscape of the early 20th century.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Shaw grew up in a modest middle-class family. His education was irregular, but he developed a voracious appetite for reading and self-education, which served as the foundation for his intellectual prowess. Shaw began his career as a music and theater critic, where his sharp wit and incisive commentary garnered attention.

However, it was Shaw's foray into playwriting that catapulted him to international fame. His plays, characterized by their sharp dialogue, engaging characters, and exploration of social issues, challenged the conventional norms of the time. Notable works include "Pygmalion," "Man and Superman," and "Saint Joan," which earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

Shaw's plays often tackled contentious topics, such as class struggle, women's rights, and capitalism, with biting satire and provocative insights. He used his plays as a platform for social criticism, weaving political and philosophical ideas into his narratives. Shaw believed in the power of art to challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful change, making him a prominent figure in the realm of social commentary.

Beyond his literary accomplishments, Shaw was an ardent socialist and a fervent advocate for various causes. He championed women's suffrage, advocating for gender equality long before it gained widespread acceptance. Shaw was also an early advocate for vegetarianism and promoted the idea of a meatless diet for ethical and health reasons.

His influence extended beyond the realm of theater, as Shaw was a prominent figure in public debates and political discourse. He engaged in spirited debates with contemporaries such as Winston Churchill and H.G. Wells, often challenging prevailing ideologies and advocating for progressive reforms.

George Bernard Shaw's impact on the literary world and society at large cannot be overstated. His sharp wit, uncompromising convictions, and literary prowess continue to inspire generations of artists, thinkers, and activists. Through his plays, essays, and speeches, Shaw sought to challenge the status quo, ignite critical thinking, and push for a fairer, more equitable world. Today, his legacy stands as a testament to the power of art, intellect, and activism in shaping the world we live in.