... for Englishmen never will be slaves: they are free to do whatever the Government and public opinion allows them to do.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shaw suggests Englishmen are free only within the limits set by government and public opinion.
- In plain terms
- Freedom is limited by what authorities and society permit.
- What can you take from it?
- True freedom requires challenging imposed limits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who sets the limits on your freedom?
- Can you act outside public opinion?
Another view
The quote ignores individual capacity to resist or redefine limits.
More from George Bernard Shaw
I was a hypocrite; and it served me right to be sent to heaven.
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