This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. And also the only real tragedy in life is the being used by personally minded men for purposes which you recognize to be base.
–George Bernard Shaw in
Man And Superman A Comedy And A Philosophy
Epistle Dedicatory To Arthur Bingham Walkley
See also, Success = Fully Engaged
The final idea for civic life is that every man and every woman should set before themselves this goal–that by the labor of their lifetime they shall pay the debt of their rearing and education, and also contribute sufficient for an handsome maintenance during their old age.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatsoever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.
I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment; and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
–George Bernard Shaw quoted in
George Bernard Shaw: His Life and Works
A Critical Biography (authorized)
By Archibald Henderson
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