What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
It is dangerous to be sincere unless you are also stupid.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Sincerity can lead to trouble if one lacks wisdom or understanding.
This quote by George Bernard Shaw suggests that while being sincere is a noble trait, it can result in adverse consequences if it is not paired with intelligence. Sincerity alone may lead one to speak or act without considering the impact or truth of their words, particularly in complex situations where ignorance could be harmful. Therefore, Shaw implies that wisdom is necessary to navigate the dangers that sincerity might bring.
Themes
SincerityWisdomDangerTruthIntelligence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a discussion about honesty in leadership during a corporate training session.
More from George Bernard Shaw
All quotes βMarriage is good enough for the lower classes: they have facilities for desertion that are denied to us.
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Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
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Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisoners left free to choose, the whole social fabric would fly asunder. You cannot have the argument both ways. If the prisoner is happy, why lock him in? If he is not, why pretend that he is?
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Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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