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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author advises against engaging with petty people because they enjoy the conflict and you risk getting harmed.
In plain terms
Don't argue with petty people because they like it and you will get dirty.
What can you take from it?
Avoid petty conflicts as they offer no benefit and cause damage.

Where it applies

  • dealing with harassers
  • choosing battles
  • avoiding drama

Putting it to work

  • walk away from petty fights
  • assess cost of engagement

Questions to consider

  • When is it worth engaging with trouble?
  • How do you define a petty conflict?

Another view

Sometimes confronting bad behavior is necessary regardless of the cost.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. I can forgive Alfred Nobel for inventing dynamite, but only a fiend in human form could have invented the Nobel Prize.

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  2. I often quote myself. I find it adds spice to the conversation.

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  3. 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 whatever I can.

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