What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Every man to whom salvation is offered has an inalienable natural right to say 'No, thank you: I prefer to retain my full moral responsibility: it is not good for me to be able to load a scapegoat with my sins: I should be less careful how I committed them if I knew they would cost me nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes individual moral responsibility and the importance of personal accountability in one's actions.
George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects a profound understanding of moral responsibility. It suggests that the ability to absolve oneself of guilt by placing blame on a 'scapegoat' undermines personal integrity and leads to careless decision-making. By choosing to accept one's sins and accountability, individuals foster a more conscientious approach to their actions, recognizing that true growth and ethical behavior come from facing the consequences of oneβs choices.
Themes
Moral ResponsibilityAccountabilityScapegoatDecisionsIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of personal accountability.
More from George Bernard Shaw
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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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