“I dread success. To have succeeded is to have finished one’s business on earth, like the male spider, who is killed by the female the moment he has succeeded in his courtship. I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind.”
This provocative statement comes from the brilliant and often controversial mind of George Bernard Shaw. At first glance, the idea of dreading success seems counterintuitive. Society teaches us to chase achievements and celebrate victories. However, Shaw challenges this conventional wisdom. He suggests that the true essence of a fulfilling life lies not in reaching a final destination but in the perpetual journey toward it. This quote offers a profound insight into the nature of purpose, ambition, and the human drive for growth.
The Origin: A Dedication in ‘Man and Superman’
Many people share this quote without knowing its specific source. Shaw wrote these words not in a play’s dialogue but in the lengthy preface to his 1903 masterpiece, Man and Superman. Specifically, the quote appears in the “Epistle Dedicatory to Arthur Bingham Walkley,” a letter to a friend and critic. In this introduction, Shaw lays out the philosophical underpinnings of his play. He explores complex ideas about evolution, the relationship between men and women, and what he termed the “Life Force.”
Therefore, the quote is not a standalone aphorism. It is deeply embedded in a larger philosophical argument. Shaw used the preface to explain his artistic and intellectual intentions. He wanted his audience to understand the deeper currents running through the comedy on stage. The quote serves as a key to unlocking his perspective on human motivation. It frames the entire work with the idea that striving, not arriving, is the ultimate purpose.
Deconstructing Shaw’s Metaphor
The power of Shaw’s statement lies in its vivid and unsettling imagery. By breaking down its core components, we can better grasp its meaning and appreciate its depth.
The Spider and the Peril of Finality
The analogy of the male spider is both stark and memorable. After fulfilling its biological purpose of mating, the male is often consumed by the female. For Shaw, this represents the ultimate finality. Success, in this metaphor, is not a triumph but a death sentence. It marks the end of one’s usefulness and purpose. Once you have achieved your great goal, what is left? Shaw suggests that this endpoint is a void, a state of having “finished one’s business on earth.”
This perspective challenges the common view of success as a pinnacle. Instead, he presents it as a potential trap. The feeling of accomplishment can be fleeting. It is often followed by a sense of emptiness or the daunting question, “What now?” This post-achievement slump is a real phenomenon that many high-achievers experience. Shaw’s metaphor powerfully captures this dread of reaching a final, static end.
The Virtue of ‘Continual Becoming’
In contrast to the finality of success, Shaw champions “a state of continual becoming.” This phrase embodies a philosophy of dynamic, endless growth. He found joy and meaning in the process, not the prize. For him, life’s value comes from having a goal in front of you, not a list of accomplishments behind you. This mindset prioritizes forward momentum, learning, and evolution. It suggests that our purpose is not to be something, but to always be becoming something more.
This idea aligns perfectly with Shaw’s broader philosophical beliefs. Source He was a proponent of what he called “Creative Evolution.” He believed in a universal “Life Force” that compels living things to strive toward ever-higher states of being. Consequently, for a person to stop striving is to work against this fundamental cosmic energy. Success, if viewed as an end, is a form of stagnation that defies the very nature of life.
Modern Relevance in a Goal-Obsessed World
Over a century after Shaw wrote these words, they feel more relevant than ever. We live in a culture that often glorifies final achievements. We see it in career ladders, academic degrees, and personal milestones. Yet, many people find that reaching these goals does not bring lasting happiness. The pressure to succeed can lead to burnout, while the success itself can feel hollow.
Shaw’s quote reminds us to find fulfillment in the journey. It encourages a shift in perspective from outcome-based validation to process-based enjoyment. For instance, after completing a major project, many professionals report a dip in motivation and satisfaction. This illustrates Shaw’s point perfectly. The pursuit itself provided the drive and purpose.
Embracing “continual becoming” means celebrating progress, not just perfection. It means setting new goals after achieving old ones. Furthermore, it involves viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to a final reward. By keeping a goal in front of us, we remain engaged, motivated, and truly alive, just as Shaw advocated.