What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
George Bernard ShawRead
I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence.
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
All quotes →Marriage 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.
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The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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