Create the Life You Want: Advice on Living by George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and political activist, was bestowed the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925. Shaw’s wit, humor, and sharp insights into human nature made him legendary. In his book, “The Philosopher’s Stone: Essays in Wisdom and Enlightenment”, Shaw shares wisdom on taking charge of your life and building your desired reality. This article highlights Shaw’s recommendations on how to create the life you desire and includes his inspiring quotes that can spark motivation and inspiration.

Part 1: The Importance of Taking Control of Your Life

Shaw believes that taking responsibility for your own happiness and success is crucial. He emphasizes that we must own control of our lives and not rely on external circumstances for our failures or lack of joy.

“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.”

Shaw’s quote implies that we should not wait for good things to come to us, but rather proactively create the circumstances that will bring the things we desire into our lives.

Part 2: The Importance of Hard Work

In addition to taking control of our lives, Shaw advocates for the importance of hard work and perseverance. He believes that critics should not derail our efforts towards our goals and that hard work is key to attaining happiness and accomplishing our dreams.

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

The above quote indicates that even when others doubt us, we should keep striving for our goals without getting sidetracked by their negative opinions.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”

In this quote, Shaw urges us to see mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow instead of as a reason to give up or achieve nothing.

Part 3: The Importance of Creativity

Shaw also emphasizes the significance of creativity in building the life we desire. He argues that we must use our imagination to envision the life we want and blend it with hard work and determination to bring it to reality.

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.”

Shaw’s inspirational quote suggests that our imagination is the starting point for all creativity and creation. By envisioning what we want, we can use our willpower to translate it into reality through hard work.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

The above quote stresses that we should keep our imaginative and playful spirit alive no matter our age to expand our creativity and build the life we want.

Part 4: The Importance of Perseverance

Shaw emphasizes the need for persistence in creating the life we want. He believes that learning from our mistakes, pushing forward, facing obstacles, and creating our opportunities are prerequisites towards success.

“Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time.”

The above quote highlights the significance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and learning from one’s mistakes. It tells us to keep striving forward even if we’ve failed before.

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.”

Shaw uses this quote to illustrate that we should not give up, even when external circumstances seem against us. Instead, we should find ways to make our circumstances work towards our goals.

Conclusion

George Bernard Shaw’s teachings on taking responsibility for our happiness, working hard, being creative, and persevering can motivate and inspire us in many ways. His messages highlight the importance of creating the reality we desire and not relying on others or external factors to determine our lives. The article concludes by stating that with hard work, perseverance, and creativity, we can create the life we want, as Shaw once said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”