Don’t Cut Off Flower Heads and Stick Them in Pots

Dont Cut Off Flower Heads and Stick Them in Pots

“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”

Famous writers often leave behind a trail of witty remarks. However, few authors match the sharp tongue of George Bernard Shaw. One specific anecdote regarding his distaste for cut flowers has circulated for over a century. Specifically, Shaw compared placing cut flowers in a vase to severing the heads of children. This macabre comparison highlights his unique perspective on nature and life. Consequently, literary detectives have spent decades verifying the origin of this quote. We can trace the evolution of this story through various publications and biographies.

George Bernard Shaw – Biographical

Tracing the First Clues

Investigating this quote requires a journey back to the Victorian era. Source The earliest known reference appears in a horticultural publication from 1899. “The Garden,” a weekly journal, printed a summary of Shaw’s opinions on floral arrangements. The editors noted his distinctive views. . Furthermore, the article explained his logic. He believed that people who claim to love flowers should not kill them.

Additionally, the journal detailed his specific comparison. Shaw reportedly wondered why flower lovers do not treat their favorite children similarly. He suggested that if they truly loved their offspring, they might cut off their heads and display them in pots. This 1899 account establishes a firm foundation for the quote. Moreover, it proves that Shaw held these strong views long before he became a global celebrity. The text also mentioned his dislike for formal gardens. He noted that most blossoms in such gardens are actually dead. Thus, the core of the witticism existed in print at the turn of the century.

The Evolution of the Anecdote

Seven years later, the story gained new details. In 1906, the “Boston Evening Transcript” published a fresh version of the tale. This account introduced a conversation about Shaw’s vegetarian diet. A friend reportedly offered to send him game meat. However, Shaw refused the gift. He stated that he would rather die than eat a violent meal. Consequently, the friend pivoted to a different topic. He asked if Shaw at least enjoyed flowers.

Shaw’s response in this version was sharp. He affirmed his love for children. Yet, he clarified that he does not cut off their heads and keep them in bottles. This version credits a London magazine called “The World and His Wife.” Subsequently, newspapers across the United States reprinted this story. Readers in Chicago and Los Angeles enjoyed the wit of the Irish playwright. Therefore, the story became a part of his public persona early in the 20th century.

Insights from Biographers

Decades later, serious biographers began to document Shaw’s habits. Archibald Henderson, a noted scholar, wrote extensively about the playwright. In 1927, Henderson published a profile in “The Winnipeg Evening Tribune.” This biography included a specific section on Shaw’s home life. Henderson described a visit where a friend noticed a lack of flowers in Shaw’s house. The friend teased the writer about this absence.

Shaw retorted immediately. He insisted that he loved flowers. Then, he delivered the famous punchline. He explained that he also loved children but did not chop off their heads for display. Henderson’s account added credibility to the story. Since Henderson knew his subject well, we can trust this version. Furthermore, this biography appeared in major papers like the “San Francisco Examiner.” Thus, the anecdote solidified its place in literary history.

The Secretary’s Revelation

Perhaps the most reliable source appeared in 1951. Blanche Patch served as Shaw’s secretary for thirty years. She published a memoir titled “Thirty Years with G. B. S.” In this book, she confirmed his genuine dislike for cut flowers. She noted that he could rarely remember flower names. However, she recalled his standard response to visitors. When guests asked about the empty vases, he would recite his line about decapitating babies.

Additionally, Patch revealed a fascinating backstory. She claimed Shaw’s mother originated the sentiment. Decades earlier, a suitor had courted Shaw’s mother. One day, this man walked through her garden. As he left, he casually knocked the heads off flowers with his cane. Shaw’s mother watched this action with horror. She immediately associated the flowers with children’s heads. Consequently, she decided she could never marry such a man. Patch observed that the world owes Shaw’s existence to this event. If the suitor had respected the flowers, Shaw might never have been born.

Mid-Century Popularity

By the 1940s, the story had become a staple for columnists. Bennett Cerf, a famous publisher, included the tale in his “Trade Winds” column in 1944. He cited a religious digest as his source. In this iteration, a distinguished writer visits Shaw’s apartment. The visitor expresses shock at the lack of floral decor. Shaw then delivers his classic retort.

Similarly, Walter Winchell shared the story in 1945. Winchell was a powerful voice in media. He presented the anecdote as a literary gem. In his version, the visitor again asks about the missing flowers. Shaw replies that he loves flowers and children alike. However, he refuses to sever the heads of either for decoration. Later, in 1956, Cerf updated his version. He identified the visitor as Arnold Bennett. According to Cerf, Bennett visited Shaw’s home overlooking the Thames. This specific detail added a layer of realism to the gossip.

Final Verdict on Attribution

After reviewing the evidence, we can confidently attribute this quote to George Bernard Shaw. The documentary trail begins in 1899. This early date precedes the anecdotal versions. Moreover, the consistency across decades is striking. Whether the story involves a pot, a vase, or a bottle, the core message remains identical.

Furthermore, the testimony of close associates supports the claim. Blanche Patch worked with him daily. Her confirmation carries significant weight. Archibald Henderson also verified the habit. Therefore, this is not merely an urban legend. It reflects Shaw’s consistent philosophy on life and nature. He truly believed that nature should remain undisturbed. Ultimately, this witty remark serves as a perfect example of his provocative humor.

Quote Me, maybe?

the quote G.O.A.T.