What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
What is the use of writing plays, what is the use of writing anything, if there is not a will which finally moulds chaos itself into a race of gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of art, suggesting that creation has a purpose in elevating human experience.
George Bernard Shaw's quote speaks to the profound purpose behind artistic creation, implying that writing and creative expression serve to bring order and meaning to the chaos of life. It suggests that through art, individuals can transcend their mundane existence and aspire to something greater, akin to a divine or elevated state of being. The 'will' mentioned refers to the creative drive that seeks to mold reality into something beautiful and meaningful.
Themes
ArtCreationTransformationChaosPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a creative writing workshop, one might use this quote to inspire aspiring writers about the significance of their craft.
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
Similar quotes
All intervening steps, scribbles, sketches, drawings, failed work models, studies thoughts, conversations, are of interest. Those that show the thought process of the artist are sometimes more interesting than the final product
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Cartooning is preaching. And I think we have a right to do some preaching. I hate shallow humor. I hate shallow religious humor, I hate shallow sports humor, I hate shallowness of any kind.
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Writers don't always know what they mean - that's why they write. Their work stands in for them. On the page, the reader meets the authoritative, perfected self; in life, the writer is lumbered with the uncertain, imperfect one.
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Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.
Frank Lloyd WrightRead
I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am.
Elia KazanRead