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George Bernard Shaw : This is the true joy in life...

ygolo

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A quote from George Bernard Shaw:
This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. 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 what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

What do you think?

Are you a force of nature?

Is it true that the harder one works, the more one can live?
 
T

ThatGirl

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I think he is calling you a socialist.

As for the quote I agree with the begining but not as it related to him individually.
 

ygolo

My termites win
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Even if he was a socialist, why do the sentiments expressed in the quote necessarily come from a socialist viewpoint?

Is it not a normal desire for a human being to do as much good in the world as they can?

Could there not be people who want capitalism and small government also want to be a "force of nature" and serve the community?
 

Red Herring

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Even if he was a socialist, why do the sentiments expressed in the quote necessarily come from a socialist viewpoint?

Is it not a normal desire for a human being to do as much good in the world as they can?

Could there not be people who want capitalism and small government also want to be a "force of nature" and serve the community?

Relax, I actually sympathize with a lot of the Fabian ideas and meant no disrespect towards you or Shaw:D
I was merely trying to say that Shaw's eagerness be part of a great movement/force/development that would change the world for the better and his political views and dedication seem to somehow go together. Of course you don't have to be a leftist to want to be part of something like that. On the other hand, it probably helps, if you associate right and left with an aversity against or desire for social change (but I really don't want to get into this right now).

As for what I suppose was the real question in the OP: It doesn't seem difficult to imagine that this is a way towards happiness and self-fulfillment for many, but I doubt it works as a panacea.
It does sound like an extrovert's and/or a feeler's dream come true and I very much respect people who have found their place in a mission like that. Personally I haven't and doubt I will.

That is, if you are asking for something akin to the meaning of life or the path to happiness. I do not doubt that doing good, helping others and acting beyond your own interests is not only extremely important for the survival of society but can also be fulfilling and very satisfying. But from there to "the true joy of life"...that's still quite a step.
 
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