What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Any man who is not a communist at the age of twenty is a fool. Any man who is still a communist at the age of thirty is an even bigger fool.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that young idealism is common, but clinging to those beliefs into adulthood shows a lack of maturity.
George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects the common perception that youth is often characterized by idealistic beliefs, such as communism, which may seem wise and hopeful at a younger age. However, he argues that as individuals mature and gain more life experience, remaining committed to such beliefs may indicate an inability to adapt or critically assess one's ideals, thus making the individual increasingly foolish as they age. It serves as a commentary on how our beliefs should evolve with our experiences and understanding of the world.
Themes
CommunismYouthMaturityIdealsBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a debate on political ideologies in a classroom setting.
More from George Bernard Shaw
All quotes →Marriage 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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