What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Optimists and pessimists both play essential roles in society by contributing different perspectives and innovations.
This quote by George Bernard Shaw highlights the complementary nature of optimism and pessimism in driving progress. While optimists, with their positive outlook, create innovative solutions like the aeroplane, pessimists provide necessary caution and safety precautions, exemplified by the invention of the parachute. Together, they balance each other, ensuring both advancements and safety measures in various aspects of life and society.
Themes
OptimismPessimismSocietyInnovationBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about innovation, one might say, 'Remember, both the optimists and pessimists contribute to our progress; we need both perspectives to thrive.'
More from George Bernard Shaw
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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.
George Bernard ShawRead
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
George Bernard ShawRead
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