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.
This quote is quite paradoxical to the perception of many when it comes to progress and success. In a society where we are taught to value established authority and the status quo in order to make progress, this statement brings to light a different perspective on what it takes to create progress for oneself and others. This quote can be found in the four-act comedy-drama Man and Superman written by George Bernard Shaw and performed in 1902. The play touches on many social and political topics such as capitalism and social reform.
Who was George B. Shaw?
George B. Shaw was an Irish playwright, literary writer, critic, and social activist whose works have impacted Western culture and politics even after his death in 1950. Born in Ireland on July 26th, 1856, “Bernard” Shaw was the son of a civil servant and a failed merchant. His early life went through what he considers as genteel poverty , a manner of living he despised even at an early age. During his teenage years, he became fond of his visits to the National Gallery of Ireland which broadened his knowledge of the arts, primarily music and literature.
It was in his 20s when Shaw decided to commit to writing whilst suffering from poverty living in London with his mother and new step-father. Although he spent countless hours on self-education, his first literary works only amounted to less than 10 shillings a year. Despite failing massively in his fiction writing, Shaw still decided to pursue artistic endeavors. In the 1880s he became a successful orator and playwright. He also adapted the philosophy of socialism during this time, acting as the driving force behind the Fabian Society – a group of socialist from the middle-class that aimed to transform English society through “permeation” rather than traditional revolutionary acts.
What is the Meaning of the Quote?
Throughout history, the “unreasonable” individuals have often been ridiculed, shunned, or even vilified for going against the grain. In our society, we are often expected to conform to set standards, or the status quo, in order to find acceptance or at least live in peace with our friends and family. And yet despite conformity being so prevalent in our lives, few will notice that unless we bring about some positive change to the way we think and act, we will remain stagnant,living in the same place, working the same job as we have been in the past. On a larger scale this may also happen in every aspect of society – be it in business, politics, or religion.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome. Unknown
At times we can observe particularly courageous individuals who create disruptive changes either be it by creating novel types of technologies or challenging the old ways of doing things. Either way, if they can overcome the initial hurdles of societal pressure they may rip profound rewards.
That being said, there is another, opposite way that one can understand this quote, although it may not have been something George Shaw intended. The notion would be that, an intelligent or reasonable person uses what they are given in this world to improve their current position. It is akin to the age old saying: “when life gives you lemons, make a lemonade.” Many of us do not agree with the way the world works, but changing it may be an enormous undertaking, hence before we set out to improve the world, we might want to use it to improve ourselves first. This may be an equally important idea that one can apply to their life.
George B. Shaw’s Views on Conformity?
Shaw views conformity – a behavior that one undertakes to fit well into a group as a hindrance to breakthroughs, either for individuals or for society at large. Upon looking through a study of his multiple philosophical works, particularly his script on Man and Superman, one can conclude that Shaw believes that even though humans may have a pre-disposition to conforming to set standards, the choice to consciously tread a different path as the need arises is ever present. The catch is that even though it might sometimes be necessary to choose the less common path or opinion, it is often much more difficult to do so in comparison to just simply fitting in.
The man who listens to Reason is lost: Reason enslaves all whose minds are not strong enough to master her.
George B. Shaw
The Pros and Cons of Conformity
As humans, we learn by observing what occurs in our environment. Logic and reason are often behind why individuals resolve to conformity: it often adheres to time-tested methods and practices to produce results. In other words, conformity is the adherence to “what works.” There is usefulness to this. It allows for security and simplicity. For most, its biggest advantage is the way it allows us to remain accepted by those we care about.
For many individuals, the simplicity of their life may be fulfilling enough. Such as in the case of a person that performs a job, though monotonous provides security for themselves and their family, thereby creating happiness and contentment. Any change to their lifestyle might bring about stress and anxiety which even if the change was positive to begin with, it may sometimes end up causing more harm then good.
While conformity can be a good behavior to display as an individual or as a group while navigating the complex landscape of society, it comes with major drawbacks that can also impact our lives. The biggest price that people often have to pay to conform is the halt of progress, both individually and as a group. In a society where “asking too many questions” can sometimes lead us into trouble, it doesn’t take a keen eye to observe that we are indoctrinated to respect and value the opinions of established authority. But progress, as we already know comes from asking questions, particularly the right ones.
Every great man and woman in our society has not only displayed a unique and powerful identity but also asked the right kind of questions, even if it went against social norms and the status quo. In every aspect of our lives, those who create real impact are the ones who refused depend upon the tried-and-tested methods. They have instead chosen to create something better not just for themselves but for others as well.