What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Patriotism is a pernicious, psychopathic form of idiocy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Patriotism can lead to irrational behavior and extreme nationalism.
George Bernard Shaw's quote critiques the concept of patriotism, suggesting that it can be an unhealthy and distorted form of devotion to oneβs country. By labeling it as 'pernicious' and 'psychopathic', Shaw implies that an uncritical loyalty to one's nation can result in harmful ideologies and actions, blinding individuals to rational thought and moral considerations.
Themes
PatriotismNationalismCritiqueIdeologyDevotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on nationalism, this quote can emphasize the dangers of blind loyalty.
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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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