What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Reasonable men adapt themselves to their environment; unreasonable men try to adapt their environment to themselves. Thus all progress is the result of the efforts of unreasonable men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that progress comes from those who challenge the status quo rather than simply conforming to it.
George Bernard Shaw's quote highlights the distinction between reasonable individuals, who accept and adapt to their circumstances, and unreasonable individuals, who strive to change their circumstances to fit their desires. Shaw argues that true progress and innovation stem from the latter group, as they dare to challenge norms and push boundaries in pursuit of their vision.
Themes
ProgressInnovationAdaptationChangeUnreasonableness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about leadership and innovation, you could use this quote to inspire others to think outside the box.
More from George Bernard Shaw
All quotes βMarriage 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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