Alive Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“You must all know half a dozen people at least who are no use in this world, who are more trouble than they are worth. Just put them there and say Sir, or Madam, now will you be kind enough to justify your existence? If you can't justify your existence, if you're not pulling your weight in the social boat, if you're not producing as much as you consume or perhaps a little more, then, clearly, we cannot use the organizations of our society for the purpose of keeping you alive, because your life does not benefit us and it can't be of very much use to yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1905
People who contribute little to society should justify their existence; otherwise they are a burden.
In simple terms: Contribute or justify your place.
Key Takeaway
Assess your societal impact.
Themes
responsibility
value
society
productivity
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- employment
- volunteering
- community service
- resource allocation
- policy making
Key Concepts
ethical duty
social contract
self‑assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure personal value?
- What responsibilities do you owe society?
A Different Perspective
Judgment may overlook systemic barriers to contribution.
