Our natural dispositions may be good; but we have been badly brought up, and are full of anti-social personal ambitions and prejudices and snobberies. Had we not better teach our children to be better citizens than ourselves? We are not doing that at present. The Russians ARE. That is my last word. Think over it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shaw argues current adults are flawed by selfishness and suggests Russia teaches children better civic values.
- In plain terms
- We are selfish and prejudiced; we should teach our kids to be better citizens like the Russians do.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize civic education for children to fix societal flaws.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a good citizen?
- How should children be taught?
Another view
The reference to Russians is a specific political claim that may not hold universally.
More from George Bernard Shaw
Must then a Christ perish in torment in every age to save those that have no imagination?
Permalink to quote #27 One man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven't and don't.
Permalink to quote #29 Scratch an Englishman and find a Protestant.
Permalink to quote #26
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