Principles from George Bernard Show
Dreaming Big: Why Not?
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
On Principles Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
"Some men see things as they are and say “Why?". I dream of things that never were and say “Why Not?””— George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the theater world and is regarded as one of the greatest dramatists of all time. He used his works to provoke thought on social issues through humor and satire.
One story that vividly illustrates George Bernard Shaw's propensity for challenging norms and dreaming of "things that never were" involves his play Mrs. Warren's Profession.
When Shaw wrote the play in 1893, it dared to tackle the taboo subject of prostitution in a candid, nuanced way rarely seen at the time. The story centers on a former prostitute who built a successful business running upscale brothels, angering many with its frank depictions and moral ambiguity.
Shaw's unconventional take on such controversial subject matter immediately caused an uproar. British censors banned the play from public performance on the grounds of indecency, seeing it as an affront to proper Victorian morality and values.
However, Shaw refused to accept this suppression of his provocative artistic vision. In 1898, he arranged a private underground play performance, circumventing the censors. This defiant staging occurred before an invited audience in a private venue - one of the first such events challenging theatrical censorship laws in Britain.
Shaw's bold move incited furious condemnation from many scandalized quarters. But the innovative playwright remained undeterred, issuing his now famous rebuttal: "If they allow only conventional plays to be acted, they will finally kill the theatrical profession."
True to his philosophy of dreaming new realities into existence, Shaw persisted in bringing the play before the public. Over a decade later, in 1905, Mrs. Warren's Profession finally received its official public debut thanks to a legal workaround.
Shaw's tenacious battle to realize his daring, ahead-of-its-time vision paved the way for more open artistic expression onstage. His willingness to dream of "things that never were" in the face of harsh criticism proved vital in gradually eroding the censorship barriers of his era.
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Question to Ponder
What dreams have you longed to make real? What possibilities call to you from just over the horizon of your current reality?
Call to Action
We live in a world of limitless possibilities, yet too often, we allow ourselves to be constrained by the boundaries of what currently exists.
These words encapsulate the essence of innovation, progress, and positive change. The dreamers - those who dare to envision a reality that transcends the current state of affairs - ultimately drive humanity forward.
Throughout history, the audacious minds who refused to accept their era’s perceived limitations have brought forth revolutionary ideas and inventions. The light bulb, automobile, aircraft, computers, smartphones, and many other transformative technologies were once mere fragments of imagination, "things that never were," before being realized through the powerful combination of vision and effort.
Many people tend to view the world through the lens of "realism." They see limitations, obstacles, and how things have always been done. When faced with challenges or unconventional ideas, they utter a resigned "why?". Shaw, however, champions the "Why Not?" mindset. This perspective encourages us to dream of possibilities that may not seem readily apparent. It ignites creativity and innovation by questioning existing norms and exploring uncharted territories. Shaw's principle teaches us the importance of questioning assumptions while remaining open to the potential of new ideas.
Here's a robust framework you can use to create a “Why Not” mentality by utilizing a three-step progression that prompts you to reflect, explore, and take action.
1. WHY? (Self-reflection):
Encourage yourself to reflect on a current challenge or situation in your life.
Use questions like:
"What issue are you currently facing?"
"What aspect of your life feels stagnant?"
"Where do you feel stuck?"
2. WHY NOT? (Exploration of Possibilities):
Once you have identified the "WHY?", consider alternative perspectives through the "WHY NOT?" lens.
Use questions like:
"Why not approach this problem differently?"
"Why not challenge the status quo and explore new solutions?"
"What innovative ideas can you spark by asking 'Why Not?'"
3. HOW? (Action-Oriented):
Finally, guide yourself to translate your exploration into concrete action steps.
Use questions like:
"How can you start asking more questions about this situation?"
"Who can you talk to for different viewpoints?"
"What resources can you explore to find new solutions?"
So, fellow dreamers, I challenge you to embrace Shaw's timeless wisdom. Ask yourself: What if? Why not? And most importantly, take action. Whether pursuing a new project, exploring a creative passion, or championing a cause close to your heart, dare to dream big and make it happen.
Video of the Week
Today, Bernard Shaw's quotes will tell you about life experience, the female soul, motivation, friendship, and justice. Everything you are looking for, you will finding these life-changing quotes.
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 135 - The First 100 with Bob Moore, co-founder of Crossbeam
Episode 134 - The First 100 with Chris Slater, co-founder of Oka
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