George Bernard Shaw

The savage bows down to idols of wood and stone: the civilized man to idols of flesh and blood.

Girls, like men, want to be petted, pitied, and made much of, when they are diffident, in low spirits, or in unrequited love. These are services which the weak cannot render to the strong and which the strong will not render to the weak, except when there is also a difference of sex.

I dread success. To have succeeded is to have finished one’s business on earth, like the male spider, who is killed by the female the moment he has succeeded in his courtship. I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind.

The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.

Do not do unto others as you would they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.

The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time.

If a man constantly aspires is he not elevated?

One great use of words is to hide our thoughts.

No man was ever great by imitation.

Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.

Sincerity is the highest complement you can pay.

Great hearts steadily send forth the secret forces that incessantly draw great events.

Many a man’s strength is in opposition, and when he faileth, he grows out of use.

Acorns were good until bread was found.

In every society some men are born to rule, and some to advise.

It’s your life-but only if you make it so.

Men talk as if victory were something fortunate. Work is victory.

Is not every man sometimes a radical in politics? Men are conservatives when they are least vigorous, or when they are most luxurious. They are conservatives after dinner, or before taking their rest; when they are sick, or aged. In the morning, or when their intellect or their conscience has been aroused; when they hear music, or when they read poetry, they are radicals.

If in doubt, don’t. If still in doubt, do what’s right.

Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.