Strangers who have seen Shaw face to face are wont to report their surprise at his gentleness and consideration, his willingness to listen and his complete lack of pose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shaw was known to be gentle and considerate in person despite his public persona.
- In plain terms
- Shaw was actually very polite and listened well to people.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not judge people solely by their public image.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does public behavior match private character?
- How do we judge people?
Another view
Public personas can sometimes be accurate reflections of private behavior.
More from Jacques Barzun
Old age is like learning a new profession. And not one of your own choosing.
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Permalink to quote #22 I have always been - I think any student of history almost inevitably is - a cheerful pessimist.
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