Our ideals, like the gods of old, are constantly demanding human sacrifices

Our ideals, like the gods of old, are constantly demanding human sacrifices

George Bernard Shaw, the renowned Irish playwright and critic, was known for his sharp wit and biting social commentary. Throughout his works, Shaw often explored the complexities of human nature and the sacrifices that individuals must make in order to uphold their ideals. The quote, “Our ideals, like the gods of old, are constantly demanding human sacrifices,” encapsulates Shaw’s belief that the pursuit of lofty ideals often comes at a cost.

In Shaw’s plays, characters are frequently faced with moral dilemmas and must grapple with the sacrifices required to achieve their goals. In “Saint Joan,” Shaw portrays the story of Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who is driven by her ideals to lead the French army against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Joan’s unwavering faith and determination ultimately lead to her martyrdom, as she is burned at the stake for her beliefs. Shaw uses Joan’s story to highlight the sacrifices that individuals must make in order to challenge the status quo and uphold their ideals.

Similarly, in “Major Barbara,” Shaw explores the conflict between idealism and pragmatism through the character of Barbara Undershaft, a Salvation Army officer who grapples with the ethics of accepting donations from her father, a wealthy arms dealer. Barbara’s commitment to her ideals is tested as she confronts the hypocrisy of her family’s wealth and the source of their prosperity. Shaw uses Barbara’s struggle to illustrate the sacrifices that individuals must make in order to remain true to their principles.

Shaw’s quote also reflects his criticism of society’s tendency to idolize and worship certain ideals, often at the expense of human lives. Throughout his works, Shaw challenges conventional beliefs and exposes the flaws in societal norms. He believed that blind adherence to ideals without critical examination can lead to destructive consequences, as individuals may be willing to sacrifice their own well-being or the well-being of others in the name of their beliefs.