What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
I'm an atheist and I thank God for it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes gratitude for the absence of belief in a deity, suggesting that skepticism can lead to freedom and enlightenment.
In this quote, George Bernard Shaw expresses his identity as an atheist while also conveying a sense of thankfulness toward this very lack of belief in God. It implies that embracing atheism offers him a clearer perspective on life, free from the constraints and dogmas often associated with religious belief. Shaw's words prompt reflection on how one's worldview can shape their experiences and outlook, highlighting the idea that skepticism can be a liberating force that fosters critical thinking and personal growth.
Themes
AtheismGratitudeFreedomPhilosophySkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the role of religion in society, one might use this quote to illustrate a perspective of finding value in atheism.
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.
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Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
George Bernard ShawRead
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?
George Bernard ShawRead
Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
George Bernard ShawRead
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
George Bernard ShawRead
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When fear displaces reason, the result is often irrational hatred and division.
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You cannot escape the results of your thoughts. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration.
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Government control gives rise to fraud, suppression of Truth, intensification of the black market and artificial scarcity. Above all, it unmans the people and deprives them of initiative, it undoes the teaching of self-help.
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I have no problem with religion, and I grew up with a strong curiosity about spiritual matters, but my searching took me away from church and community worship to the internal journey. Before my recovery began, I found my God in music and the arts, with writers like Hermann Hesse, and musicians like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter.
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Religion has not civilized man, man has civilized religion.
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