15 Inspirational Quotes by George Bernard Shaw That Challenge the Norm

George Bernard Shaw was born in Dublin in 1856 and was a groundbreaking Irish playwright, critic and Nobel laureate known for his sharp wit and challenging societal norms.

Shaw’s passion for the arts, inspired by his mother’s involvement in music and theater, led him to London to pursue writing.

His early career was fraught with rejection however he eventually gained recognition with his first successful play, “Arms and the Man,” in 1894.

Shaw wrote over 60 plays, including “Pygmalion” and “Saint Joan,” using satire to critique class, gender and social issues.

An advocate for social change, Shaw’s legacy continues to influence modern theater and social discourse.

His works remain well-known for their intellectual depth and enduring relevance.

15 Inspirational Quotes by George Bernard Shaw That Challenge the Norm.


1. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself

This quote emphasizes the proactive nature of personal development.

Instead of passively searching for an inherent identity, Shaw advocates for the idea that we are the architects of our own lives.

Each choice and experience contributes to our evolving self.

This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their creativity and agency, suggesting that fulfillment comes not from external validation but from actively shaping who we are through our actions and decisions.

See Also: 15 George R.R. Martin Quotes on The Art of Storytelling

2. “War does not decide who is right but who is left.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

War does not decide who is right but who is left

Shaw’s statement critiques the futility of war, highlighting that conflicts rarely resolve moral dilemmas.

Instead, wars often leave devastation and survivors who must grapple with the aftermath.

This quote serves as a poignant reminder that the consequences of war extend beyond victory or defeat; they affect the lives of those who endure its horrors.

It challenges the glorification of war by exposing its tragic realities and the human cost of such struggles.

3. “Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Don’t wait for the right opportunity_ create it

This quote inspires action and initiative.

Shaw suggests that opportunities are not merely found; they must be forged through effort and determination.

By taking charge of one’s circumstances, individuals can shape their destinies rather than waiting for favorable conditions to arise.

This mindset empowers people to be proactive, encouraging them to harness their creativity and resourcefulness to manifest their goals and aspirations in life.

4. “There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart’s desire. The other is to gain it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart’s desire. The other is to gain it

Shaw highlights the paradox of desire: the pain of unfulfilled wishes and the unexpected emptiness that can accompany their fulfillment.

This quote reflects the complexity of human longing, suggesting that both outcomes can lead to disillusionment.

It invites introspection about what we truly seek and the nature of our desires, urging us to consider that achieving our dreams may not always bring the satisfaction we anticipate.

5. “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it

This quote champions the spirit of perseverance and innovation.

Shaw points out that naysayers often stifle progress with their skepticism. Instead of being deterred by negativity, individuals should focus on their efforts and achievements.

This statement encourages a culture of support and encouragement, reminding us that every significant accomplishment was once deemed impossible by someone and that determination is key to overcoming obstacles.

6. “A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Shaw’s definition of a gentleman emphasizes altruism and contribution.

It suggests that true nobility lies in selflessness and the desire to improve the world around us.

This perspective encourages individuals to consider their impact on society and to strive to leave a positive legacy.

By prioritizing the welfare of others and the community, one cultivates a sense of integrity and purpose that transcends mere social status.

7. “Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get

This quote serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of making conscious choices.

Shaw warns against complacency and the dangers of accepting circumstances without question.

It encourages individuals to actively pursue their preferences and desires, rather than settling for what life hands them.

By taking charge of one’s decisions, people can cultivate a life that aligns with their true interests and values, leading to greater fulfillment.

8. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Shaw champions the value of experience and learning through failure.

This quote suggests that mistakes are integral to growth and development.

Rather than fearing errors, individuals should embrace them as opportunities for learning and improvement.

Shaw’s perspective promotes a proactive approach to life, valuing action and experimentation over stagnation.

It encourages a mindset that views challenges as essential steps on the journey to success.

9. “Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

This quote underscores the importance of learning from past experiences.

Shaw asserts that true success lies in the ability to adapt and grow from one’s errors.

It encourages resilience and reflection, suggesting that the path to achievement is paved with lessons learned from missteps.

This mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where individuals are empowered to evolve and refine their approaches based on previous outcomes.

Read Also: 15 Inspiring John Wooden Quotes to Master the Game of Life

10. “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place

Shaw highlights the complexities of effective communication.

This quote points out that misunderstandings often arise from assumptions about clarity and comprehension.

It serves as a reminder that true communication requires active listening and engagement.

By acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation, individuals can strive for greater transparency and connection in their interactions, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration.

11. “After all, the wrong road always leads somewhere.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

This quote reflects the unpredictability of life’s journey.

Shaw suggests that even misguided paths can yield valuable experiences and insights.

It encourages a sense of adventure and exploration, reminding us that every choice contributes to our growth, regardless of its perceived correctness.

This perspective invites individuals to embrace uncertainty and view life as a series of opportunities for learning, rather than a rigid adherence to a predetermined plan.

12. “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Shaw emphasizes the necessity of adaptability in effecting change.

This quote suggests that rigid thinking limits progress and innovation.

By being open to new ideas and perspectives, individuals can foster growth and transformation in themselves and their environments.

It advocates for a willingness to reassess beliefs and strategies, highlighting that flexibility is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful change.

13. “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance

Shaw warns against the perils of misinformation and overconfidence in one’s understanding.

This quote highlights that believing in falsehoods can lead to misguided actions and decisions.

It serves as a call for critical thinking and discernment, encouraging individuals to seek truth and clarity rather than settling for superficial knowledge.

By fostering a commitment to genuine understanding, one can navigate complexities with greater wisdom and insight.

14. “I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty and besides, the pig likes it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

This quote uses humor to convey a profound lesson about engaging in pointless conflicts.

Shaw suggests that some arguments are not worth the effort, as they only lead to negativity and frustration.

It encourages individuals to choose their battles wisely, recognizing when it is better to disengage rather than get dragged into unproductive disputes.

This perspective promotes a focus on meaningful interactions and personal integrity over trivial confrontations.

15. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Shaw’s quote celebrates the importance of playfulness and creativity throughout life.

It suggests that maintaining a sense of wonder and joy is essential for vitality and happiness.

By embracing play, individuals can foster a spirit of curiosity and engagement, counteracting the stagnation that often accompanies aging.

This perspective encourages a lifelong commitment to exploration and enjoyment, reminding us that joy is a choice we can make at any age.

15 Inspirational Quotes by George Bernard Shaw That Challenge the Norm - Famous People Quotes - Powerful Quotes
Chandan Negi
Chandan Negi

I love sharing inspirational and motivational quotes, captions, wishes, messages, jokes, puns and riddles to inspire, motivate and make people happy - #quotes #captions #wishes #messages #jokes #puns and #riddles #inboxquotes