
Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get. — George Bernard Shaw
—What lingers after this line?
Importance of Choice
This quote highlights the significance of actively making choices that align with one's preferences and desires. It encourages individuals to take charge of their decisions in order to achieve satisfaction in life.
Consequences of Apathy
Shaw warns against the consequences of not taking initiative. If one fails to pursue what they truly want, they may end up settling for less desirable outcomes, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration.
Personal Responsibility
The quote emphasizes personal responsibility in life. It suggests that individuals cannot rely on external factors to bring them happiness; rather, they must be proactive in defining and seeking their own happiness.
Mindset and Acceptance
The latter part of the quote addresses the mindset that comes from having to accept outcomes that are less than ideal. If one doesn't pursue their true desires, they may end up conforming to circumstances that do not bring joy.
George Bernard Shaw's Philosophy
Shaw, a prominent playwright and critic, was known for his wit and social commentary. His works often critiqued societal norms and championed individualism, making this quote a reflection of his broader philosophical beliefs about self-determination and authenticity.
Recommended Reading
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One-minute reflection
What feeling does this quote bring up for you?
Related Quotes
6 selectedWhen you feel like you are at a dead end, remember that you are at a place where you can choose a different path. — Haemin Sunim
Haemin Sunim
At first glance, a dead end feels like failure, as though movement itself has been denied. Yet Haemin Sunim’s insight gently reverses that impression: what seems like a wall may actually be a point of decision.
Read full interpretation →The boundaries of your life are merely a creation of the self. — Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma’s line reframes “boundaries” as something less like a fence in the world and more like a frame in the mind. What we often call limits—who we are, what we can do, what we deserve—can be stories we repeat unti...
Read full interpretation →You are the author of your own story. You don't need permission to begin. — Ctrl+Alt+Write
Ctrl+Alt+Write
The quote opens with a bracing premise: your life is not merely something that happens to you, but something you shape. By calling you “the author,” it reframes identity from a fixed description into an ongoing draft—rev...
Read full interpretation →Suffering is universal. But victimhood is optional. — Edith Eger
Edith Eger
Edith Eger’s line begins by naming what no life escapes: suffering arrives through loss, illness, disappointment, and injustice, often without warning or consent. By calling it universal, she removes the illusion that pa...
Read full interpretation →Action isn't just the effect of motivation; it's also the cause of it. — Mark Manson
Mark Manson
Mark Manson’s line challenges a familiar assumption: that we must first feel inspired, confident, or ready before we can act. Instead, he argues that action can be the spark rather than the reward.
Read full interpretation →Write your own part. It's the only way to get exactly what you want. — Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling’s advice reads like a simple directive, but it carries a larger philosophy: if you want a role that truly fits you, you may have to create it. Rather than waiting for permission or perfect circumstances, she...
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from George Bernard Shaw →In life, it is not about finding oneself, but about creating oneself. - George Bernard Shaw
This quote differentiates between finding and creating yourself. It implies that personal identity and purpose are not pre-existing but rather something you build through experiences, choices, and actions.
Read full interpretation →Don't wait for opportunity. Create it. — George Bernard Shaw
This quote emphasizes the importance of being proactive. Instead of passively waiting for chances to come your way, it encourages taking actions to generate your own opportunities.
Read full interpretation →Don't wait for opportunity. Create it. — George Bernard Shaw
This quote promotes the idea of being proactive rather than passive. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come your way, take initiative to create your own success.
Read full interpretation →Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. — George Bernard Shaw
This quote highlights the necessity of being open to new ideas and perspectives. To initiate any significant change in the world, one must first be willing to change their own beliefs and thoughts.
Read full interpretation →