What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
If at age 20 you are not a Communist then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are not a Capitalist then you have no brains.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that youthful idealism is often associated with emotional fervor, while adulthood brings the necessity of pragmatic thinking.
George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects the transition from youthful passion to adult pragmatism, implying that in one's twenties, one is likely to be driven by ideals and emotional beliefs such as communism. By the thirties, however, the need for financial stability and practicality tends to lead individuals towards capitalist ideas, suggesting that one must adapt their mindset in accordance with maturity and life experience.
Themes
CommunismCapitalismYouthMaturityPhilosophyEconomics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political discussion to illustrate the evolution of beliefs from youth to adulthood.
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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