Skip to content

Duty Quote by George Bernard Shaw

“Here there is no hope, and consequently no duty, no work, nothing to be gained by praying, nothing to be lost by doing what you like. Hell, in short, is a place where you have nothing to do but amuse yourself.” quote by George Bernard Shaw
Download Open image
“Here there is no hope, and consequently no duty, no work, nothing to be gained by praying, nothing to be lost by doing what you like. Hell, in short, is a place where you have nothing to do but amuse yourself.”

George Bernard Shaw

About This Quote

Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903

The speaker dismisses hope and duty, suggesting hell is idle amusement when purpose is absent.

In simple terms: Without purpose, existence feels empty.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaningful purpose beyond idle pleasure.

Themes

existentialism purpose nihilism leisure

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

dramatic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily routine
  • creative work
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

philosophical absurdity human motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life meaning?
  • How do you avoid idle self‑indulgence?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring purpose can lead to despair.

3.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by George Bernard Shaw

Explore all 1,640 George Bernard Shaw quotes

More Duty quotes

Browse all 5,178 Duty quotes