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 said that every people has the Government it deserves. It is more to the point that every Government has the electorate it deserves; for the orator of the front bench can edify or debauch an ignorant electorate at will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quality of a government reflects the character of its citizens, and an uninformed electorate is easily manipulated by leaders.
George Bernard Shaw suggests that the nature of a government is a direct reflection of the people who elect it. If the electorate is ignorant or uninformed, it allows those in power, like orators and politicians, to either enlighten or corrupt public opinion and behavior. This highlights the responsibility citizens have in educating themselves to maintain a healthy democracy.
Themes
GovernmentElectorateResponsibilityEducationDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of an informed electorate.
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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