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Your friends are all the dullest dogs I know. They are not beautiful: they are only decorated. They are not clean: they are only shaved and starched. They are not dignified: they are only fashionably dressed. They are not educated they are only college passmen. They are not religious: they are only pewrenters. They are not moral: they are only conventional. They are not virtuous: they are only cowardly. They are not even vicious: they are only 'frail.' They are not artistic: they are only lascivious. They are not prosperous: they are only rich. They are not loyal, they are only servile; not dutiful, only sheepish; not public spirited, only patriotic; not courageous, only quarrelsome; not determined, only obstinate; not masterful, only domineering; not self-controlled, only obtuse; not self-respecting, only vain; not kind, only sentimental; not social, only gregarious; not considerate, only polite; not intelligent, only opinionated; not progressive, only factious; not imaginative, only superstitious; not just, only vindictive; not generous, only propitiatory; not disciplined, only cowed; and not truthful at all--liars every one of them, to the very backbone of their souls.

George Bernard Shaw#94

SocietyCharacterIronyVirtueClassConformitySocial critiqueSuperficiality

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author criticizes superficial conformity by contrasting true virtues with their hollow imitations in society.
In plain terms
People often look good but lack real substance or character.
What can you take from it?
True value comes from character, not appearances.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • critiquing peers
  • discussing class

Putting it to work

  • identify superficial traits
  • value substance
  • critique conformity

Questions to consider

  • What virtues do you value most?
  • How often is appearance misleading?

Another view

The quote relies on hyperbole and may not apply to all friends.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. I have had my share of vanity; for as a young man I was admired by women; and as a statue I am praised by art critics.

    Permalink to quote #93
  2. Yes, it is mere talk. But why is it mere talk? Because, my friend, beauty, purity, respectability, religion, morality, art, patriotism, bravery and the rest ar…

    Permalink to quote #95
  3. Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisone…

    Permalink to quote #92

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