Enjoy the best George Bernard Shaw Quotes. Quotations by George Bernard Shaw (Playwright, Critic, Polemicist, Political Activist) Jul 26, 1856 - Nov 02, 1950
The more things a man is ashamed of, the more respectable he is.
You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.
If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.
I never resist temptation because I have found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me.
My way of joking is to tell the truth. It is the funniest joke in the world.
The man with a toothache thinks everyone happy whose teeth are sound. The poverty-stricken man makes the same mistake about the rich man.
There is no love sincerer than the love of food.
A broken heart is a very pleasant complaint for a man in London if he has a comfortable income.
The best place to find God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.
He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches.
An ounce of ghost is worth a pound of clergy.
A man of my spiritual intensity does not eat corpses.
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.