Martyrdom, sir, is what these people like: it is the only way in which a man can become famous without ability.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People glorify martyrdom as a way to gain fame without talent.
- In plain terms
- People admire suffering as a shortcut to fame.
- What can you take from it?
- Fame through suffering can be manipulative.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is suffering always noble?
- How do we value leaders?
Another view
Not all sacrifice is without merit or ability.
More from George Bernard Shaw
The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity.
Permalink to quote #12 You must not suppose, because I am a man of letters, that I never tried to earn an honest living.
Permalink to quote #14 The novelties of one generation are only the resuscitated fashions of the generation before last.
Permalink to quote #11
Related quotes
Americans just don't know what being a movie star's all about.
Patti SmithPatti Smith quote #1 'Pain is temporary, glory...lasts forever!'
George BestGeorge Best quote #1 'I am in so many movies that are on TV at 2:00 a.m. that people think I am dead.'
Michael CaineMichael Caine quote #3