At every one of those concerts in England you will find rows of weary people who are there, not because they really like classical music, but because they think they ought to like it. Well, there is the same thing in heaven. A number of people sit there in glory, not because they are happy, but because they think they owe it to their position to be in heaven.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People often conform to expectations in art and religion, valuing duty over genuine happiness.
- In plain terms
- Many pretend to enjoy things they don't because they think they should.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't do things just because others expect you to.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you happy or just pretending?
- What is authentic culture?
Another view
Some people find joy in fulfilling expected roles.
More from George Bernard Shaw
... for Englishmen never will be slaves: they are free to do whatever the Government and public opinion allows them to do.
Permalink to quote #77 The earth is a nursery in which men and women play at being heroes and heroines, saints and sinners; but they are dragged down from their fool's paradise by th…
Permalink to quote #79 I was a hypocrite; and it served me right to be sent to heaven.
Permalink to quote #76
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