George Bernard Shaw: 30 Powerful Quotes to Inspire Change

George Bernard Shaw’s words cut to the heart of action, creativity, and clear thinking. Quotations have the power to spark motivation, reframe problems, and nudge us toward new choices—use them as daily mantras, meeting openers, social posts, or reminders when you need courage to change. Below are 30 George Bernard Shaw quotes grouped for quick inspiration and practical use.

Motivational quotes

• "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it."
• "He who can, does; he who cannot, teaches."
• "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
• "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
• "Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence."

Inspirational quotes

• "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'"
• "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
• "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
• "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can."
• "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

Life wisdom quotes

• "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."
• "Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it."
• "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who haven't got it."
• "The secret of being miserable is to have the leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not."
• "The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity."

Success & change quotes

• "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
• "If you can't get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance."
• "Every profession is a conspiracy against the laity."
• "The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time."
• "England and America are two countries separated by a common language."

Happiness & attitude quotes

• "Youth is wasted on the young."
• "There are two tragedies in life: one is not to get your heart's desire; the other is to get it."
• "Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh."
• "There is no love sincerer than the love of food."
• "Don't do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same."

Wit & reflection quotes

• "I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation."
• "A gentleman is simply a patient wolf."
• "The only man who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew every time he sees me."
• "What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child."
• "Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism."

Quotes can be short sparks or long reflections—both shift thinking. Save a few favorites, print one by your desk, or share one a day to start small changes that add up.

Quotes have the power to reframe a moment, fuel action, and steady the mind. Return to these lines whenever you need clarity, courage, or a witty reminder that change begins with a thought—and moves forward with a decision.