What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Perhaps you know some well-off families who do not seem to suffer from their riches. They do not overeat themselves; they find occupations to keep themselves in health; they do not worry about their position; they put their money into safe investments and are content with a low rate of interest; and they bring up their children to live simply and do useful work. But this means that they do not live like rich people at all, and might therefore just as well have ordinary incomes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wealth does not guarantee happiness or a fulfilling life; true satisfaction comes from simple living and purposeful activities.
In this quote, George Bernard Shaw highlights the paradox of wealth by illustrating families who, despite their financial comfort, choose to lead modest lives focused on health and meaningful work. He suggests that the way these families conduct their lives—valuing simplicity, contentment, and purposeful living—renders their lifestyles indistinguishable from those of average earners, raising questions about the true value and impact of riches on one's quality of life.
Themes
WealthContentmentSimplicityHappinessLifestylePurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the true meaning of wealth and happiness at a seminar.
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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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