George Bernard Shaw's A Splendid Torch Flashcards
The passage you’ve shared is from George Bernard Shaw’s “Epistle Dedicatory to Arthur Bingham Walkley,” which serves as the preface to his play Man and Superman, published in 1903. (6 cards)
1
Q
This is the true joy in life,
A
the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one;
2
Q
the being a force of nature
A
instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
3
Q
I am of the opinion
A
that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
4
Q
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,
A
for the harder I work, the more I live.
5
Q
Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me.
A
It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment,
6
Q
and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible
A
before handing it on to future generations.
