What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
The plain working truth is that it is not only good for people to be shocked occasionally, but absolutely necessary to the progress of society that they should be shocked pretty often.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Shock can lead to necessary change and progress in society.
George Bernard Shaw asserts that experiencing shocks is not just beneficial, but essential for societal advancement. By being confronted with unexpected realities, individuals are prompted to reassess their beliefs and encourage progress through challenge and debate.
Themes
ShockSocietyProgressChangeTruth
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speech on societal issues, one might use this quote to highlight the need for challenging conversations.
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?
George Bernard ShawRead
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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