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The roulette table pays nobody except him that keeps it. Nevertheless a passion for gaming is common, though a passion for keeping roulette tables is unknown.
George Bernard Shaw
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the nature of gambling, revealing that while many are passionate about playing, few recognize the true value in owning the means of the game.

George Bernard Shaw's quote highlights the irony of gambling: while many people are captivated by the thrill of playing games like roulette, they overlook the fact that success is skewed towards those who control the game itself, such as the owners of the casino. This emphasizes a deeper philosophical point about understanding the systems and structures that govern our pursuits, suggesting that true success comes from a comprehensive understanding of those dynamics rather than a mere engagement in the game.

Themes

GamblingGamingRoulettePassionOwnershipSuccess

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the economics of gambling.

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What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
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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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