--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For four wicked centuries the world has…" description: "\"For four wicked centuries the world has dreamed this foolish dream of efficiency; and the end is not yet. But the end will come.\" — George Bernard Shaw" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07b/george-bernard-shaw-68_century_for-four-wicked-centuries-the-world-has_1209399.png" --- # For four wicked centuries the world has dreamed this… ![“For four wicked centuries the world has dreamed this foolish dream of efficiency; and the end is not yet. But the end will come.” quote by George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07b/george-bernard-shaw-68_century_for-four-wicked-centuries-the-world-has_1209399.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07b/george-bernard-shaw-68_century_for-four-wicked-centuries-the-world-has_1209399.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/07b/george-bernard-shaw-68_century_for-four-wicked-centuries-the-world-has_1209399.png) > “For four wicked centuries the world has dreamed this foolish dream of efficiency; and the end is not yet. But the end will come.” [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human pursuit of efficiency is a flawed, endless dream that will eventually end. **In simple terms:** Efficiency is an endless, foolish dream. Key Takeaway Question the value of relentless efficiency. Themes efficiency society critique Mood critical reflective Type philosophical satirical When to use this quote - business strategy - policy making - personal productivity - environmental planning Key Concepts industrialism capitalism sustainability Questions to Reflect On - Is endless efficiency truly attainable? - What are the costs of chasing efficiency? A Different Perspective Efficiency can improve life when balanced with humanity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Efficiency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/efficiency/) [Productivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/productivity/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Life is but a dream, a grotesque and foolish dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/life-is-but-a-dream-a-grotesque-and-foolish-dream/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [I have no use for those- regardless of their political party- who hold some foolish dream of spinning the clock back to days when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-d-eisenhower/i-have-no-use-for-those-regardless-of-their-political-party-who-hold/) [Dwight D. 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