QuoteProject
I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence.
George Bernard Shaw
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the ironic relationship between sincerity and intelligence when engaging in communication.

George Bernard Shaw's quote reflects the notion that taking someone seriously often implies a level of respect for their intelligence. However, the irony here suggests that the person's statements or actions are so absurd or lacking in intelligence that taking them seriously would actually insult the very intelligence of the person in question. This highlights the fine line between humor and genuine discourse, as well as the importance of critical thinking in conversations.

Themes

IntelligenceHumorSarcasmCommunicationIrony

In practice

Example use cases

This quote would be great to share during a humorous debate about politics.

More from George Bernard Shaw

What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
Marriage is good enough for the lower classes: they have facilities for desertion that are denied to us.
George Bernard ShawRead
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

Nowadays we are all of us so hard up that the only pleasant things to pay are compliments. They’re the only things we can pay.
Oscar WildeRead
The interesting thing about staring down a gun barrel is how small the hole is where the bullet comes out, yet what a big difference it would make in your social schedule.
P. J. O'RourkeRead
Could be. I’m a pretty dangerous dude when I’m cornered.” “Yeah,” said the voice from under the table, “you go to pieces so fast people get hit by the shrapnel.
Douglas AdamsRead
The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
If Jesus doesn't have a sense of humor, I am in huge trouble.
Stephen ColbertRead
That's the kind of ad I like, facts, facts, facts.
Samuel GoldwynRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.