Art Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“The philosopher is Nature's pilot. And there you have our difference: to be in hell is to drift: to be in heaven is to steer.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903
The quote contrasts passive suffering with active direction, using heaven and hell as metaphors for agency versus drift.
In simple terms: Being in hell means drifting; being in heaven means steering.
Key Takeaway
Choose active direction over passive existence.
Themes
philosophy
agency
choice
destiny
motivation
Mood
reflective
inspirational
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
theatrical
When to use this quote
- life decisions
- personal growth
- career planning
Key Concepts
existentialism
free will
self-determination
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel you are steering your life?
- What forces cause you to drift?
A Different Perspective
May ignore structural constraints on agency.
