He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Those with the ability to act will do so, while those without it will resort to instructing others.
- In plain terms
- People do what they can, and teach what they cannot do.
- What can you take from it?
- Action proves capability; teaching often fills the gap for those who cannot act.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you doing what you can?
- Are you teaching what you cannot do?
Another view
This overlooks that teaching can be a valid choice regardless of capability.
More from George Bernard Shaw
Men are wise in proportion, not to their experience, but to their capacity for experience.
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