Enjoy the best George Bernard Shaw Quotes. Quotations by George Bernard Shaw (Playwright, Critic, Polemicist, Political Activist) Jul 26, 1856 - Nov 02, 1950
There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it.
The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.
To be in hell is to drift; to be in heaven is to steer.
A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.
Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine; and at last you create what you will.
Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.
Life contains but two tragedies. One is not to get your heart's desire; the other is to get it.
A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.
He knows nothing and thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career.
It is easy - terribly easy - to shake a man's faith in himself. To take advantage of that to break a man's spirit is devil's work.
The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence of inhumanity.
A little learning is a dangerous thing, but we must take that risk because a little is as much as our biggest heads can hold.
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.