What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
Our first duty, to which every other consideration should be sacrificed, is not to be poor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that avoiding poverty is a primary responsibility that outweighs other priorities.
In this quote, George Bernard Shaw asserts that the fundamental obligation of individuals is to ensure their financial stability. He suggests that the struggle against poverty should take precedence over other concerns and ambitions, as being poor can severely limit oneβs opportunities and quality of life. Essentially, Shaw is highlighting the importance of prioritizing economic security as a means to live a fulfilling life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about financial responsibility, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of prioritizing economic security.
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
The business of feeding people is the most amazing business in the world.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
A lot of times I'll see guys who are nowhere near the level of the board they're riding. They might love surfing and love how it looks, but you really have to work your way up. It takes eating a little humble pie at first, and stepping back to equipment that might be a bit slow, but do it.
Teamwork is the foundation of success. The three universal questions that an individual asks of his coach, player, employee, employer are: Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? And, do you care about me?
Do not search for SUCCESS off in the distance, but instead recognize it and grasp it right where you are!
I have a definition of success. For me it's very simple. It's not about wealth and fame and power. It's about how many shining eyes I have around me.