What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Don't order any black things. Rejoice in his memory; and be radiant: leave grief to the children. Wear violet and purple. Be patient with the poor people who will snivel: they don't know; and they think they will live for ever, which makes death a division instead of a bond.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Celebrate life rather than focusing solely on death, and understand death as a connection rather than a separation.
In this quote, George Bernard Shaw encourages us to celebrate the memories of those who have passed away, rather than succumbing to grief. He suggests that wearing joyful colors like violet and purple symbolizes a celebration of life, and that we should practice patience with those who grieve, as their understanding of mortality is often clouded by their belief in their own invincibility. This perspective transforms the experience of death from one of division to one that fosters connection among the living.
Themes
DeathLifeGriefMemoryCelebration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a memorial service to encourage attendees to celebrate the person's life.
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?
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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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