You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not? — George Bernard Shaw

You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?

Author: George Bernard Shaw

Insight: The real difference between stuck and unstuck people isn't imagination—it's permission. Shaw's pointing out that dreamers don't just see possibility; they refuse to accept reality's "because that's how it is" excuse. Asking "why not" is basically rebellion disguised as a question.

Source: Back to Methuselah, Part I, 1921

Quotes

You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?

George Bernard ShawBack to Methuselah, Part I, 1921

Insight

The real difference between stuck and unstuck people isn't imagination—it's permission. Shaw's pointing out that dreamers don't just see possibility; they refuse to accept reality's "because that's how it is" excuse. Asking "why not" is basically rebellion disguised as a question.

Comments

George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist, born on July 26, 1856. He is best known for his witty and socially provocative plays, including "Pygmalion" and "Saint Joan," which often explored controversial and unconventional ideas on society, class, and politics. Shaw was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his contribution to both literature and the common good through his work.

You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not? — George Bernard Shaw

Insight

Comments

George Bernard Shaw

Graph

Related