George Bernard Shaw: 'He's a man of great common sense and good taste - meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage.'

He's a man of great common sense and good taste - meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage.

In his quote, "He's a man of great common sense and good taste - meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage," George Bernard Shaw offers a sharp critique of individuals who possess what is traditionally seen as desirable qualities, such as common sense and good taste. Shaw suggests that those who define themselves by these qualities may lack the attributes of originality and moral courage. This thought-provoking statement challenges us to reconsider the values we uphold and encourages us to explore the inherent limitations of common sense and good taste.At first glance, this quote may seem puzzling. How can common sense and good taste be perceived as obstacles to originality and moral courage? To understand Shaw's perspective, one must delve deeper into the meaning of common sense and good taste. Common sense typically refers to practical and logical reasoning, while good taste implies an appreciation for refined aesthetics and cultural norms. These traits are often celebrated in society, as they are seen as indicators of intelligence, sophistication, and respectable behavior.However, when these qualities become the sole focus of an individual's identity, they may hinder the pursuit of originality and moral courage. Common sense and good taste rely on established notions and existing frameworks, discouraging individuals from questioning the status quo or challenging societal norms. This conformity, while seemingly safe and accepted, can stifle creativity and prevent the emergence of innovative ideas.In essence, Shaw suggests that there is a trade-off between the desire for common sense and good taste and the risk-taking required for originality and moral courage. This presents an opportunity to introduce a fascinating philosophical concept known as "antifragility" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Antifragility refers to the ability to thrive and benefit from uncertainty, volatility, and disorder. Unlike fragility, which breaks under stress, and resilience, which remains unchanged, antifragility embraces chaos and builds strength through adaptability.When analyzing Shaw's quote through the lens of antifragility, we can see that sticking solely to common sense and good taste can hinder personal growth and societal progress. Embracing originality and moral courage requires individuals to step outside their comfort zones, question established beliefs, and take risks. In doing so, they become more antifragile, able to adapt and flourish in an ever-changing world.By challenging the notion that common sense and good taste are sufficient, Shaw invites us to reevaluate our priorities. Are we content with adhering to the familiar and accepted, or are we willing to venture into the unknown in search of originality and moral courage? This quote prompts us to question whether it is better to blend in with the crowd or have the courage to stand out and make a difference.In conclusion, George Bernard Shaw's quote offers a thought-provoking critique of the limitations of common sense and good taste. Through this statement, he challenges our preconceived notions about these desirable qualities and invites us to explore the realm of originality and moral courage. Shaw's critique, when examined in light of the philosophical concept of antifragility, further illuminates the need for individuals to transcend the confines of common sense and good taste and embrace the uncertainty and chaos of life in order to truly thrive and make an impact on the world.