What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
What is the use of writing plays, what is the use of writing anything, if there is not a will which finally moulds chaos itself into a race of gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of art, suggesting that creation has a purpose in elevating human experience.
George Bernard Shaw's quote speaks to the profound purpose behind artistic creation, implying that writing and creative expression serve to bring order and meaning to the chaos of life. It suggests that through art, individuals can transcend their mundane existence and aspire to something greater, akin to a divine or elevated state of being. The 'will' mentioned refers to the creative drive that seeks to mold reality into something beautiful and meaningful.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a creative writing workshop, one might use this quote to inspire aspiring writers about the significance of their craft.
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.
Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
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?
Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
Similar quotes
Each song has its own secret that's different from another song, and each has its own life. Sometimes it has to be teased out, whereas other times it might come fast. There are no laws about songwriting or producing. It depends on what you're doing, not just who you're doing.
I think that one of the nice things about the Yellow Submarine movie is that it seems to be perennial. People enjoy watching from each generation. And it was like the Beatles themselves. You know the Beatles seem to find new audience each time another generation comes along.
Talking about dreams is like talking about movies, since the cinema uses the language of dreams; years can pass in a second, and you can hop from one place to another. It's a language made of image. And in the real cinema, every object and every light means something, as in a dream.
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.
There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.
I always try to keep that feeling of being on the edge. I'm afraid of knowing too well and seeming mechanical.