What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
The only person who acts sensibly is my tailor. He takes my measure anew every time he sees me. Everyone else goes by their old measurements.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of adaptability and personal growth, highlighting that true understanding comes from recognizing change over time.
George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects on the need for continual reassessment in our lives and relationships. While others may rely on outdated perceptions of us, the tailor represents the ideal approach of constantly evaluating our current state and adjusting to the changes that come with time. It suggests that understanding oneself and others requires flexibility and an open mindset, rather than clinging to past judgments or assumptions.
Themes
AdaptabilityChangeMeasurementSelf-AwarenessGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one might use this quote to encourage continuous self-reflection and evolution.
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!
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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.
George Bernard ShawRead
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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