Appreciate Quote by George Bernard Shaw
““HIGGINS. It's all you'll get until you stop being a common idiot. If you're going to be a lady, you'll have to give up feeling neglected if the men you know don't spend half their time snivelling over you and the other half giving you black eyes. If you can't stand the coldness of my sort of life, and the strain of it, go back to the gutter. Work til you are more a brute than a human being; and then cuddle and squabble and drink til you fall asleep. Oh, it's a fine life, the life of the gutter. It's real: it's warm: it's violent: you can feel it through the thickest skin: you can taste it and smell it without any training or any work. Not like Science and Literature and Classical Music and Philosophy and Art. You find me cold, unfeeling, selfish, don't you? Very well: be off with you to the sort of people you like. Marry some sentimental hog or other with lots of money, and a thick pair of lips to kiss you with and a thick pair of boots to kick you with. If you can't appreciate what you've got, you'd better get what you can appreciate.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Unknown, possibly a satirical monologue, attributed to George Bernard Shaw
A bitter critique of societal expectations, gender roles, and the harshness of a violent, materialistic life.
In simple terms: Life is harsh, violent, and driven by materialism.
Key Takeaway
Question societal norms and seek authentic values.
Themes
society
gender
violence
materialism
existentialism
Mood
cynical
harsh
provocative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
motivational
When to use this quote
- relationships
- career choices
- social movements
Key Concepts
masculinity
power dynamics
human suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- What values can we uphold despite societal pressure?
- How can empathy counteract violent norms?
A Different Perspective
The tone is overly cynical, ignoring possible positive aspects of humanity.
