“I dread success. Source 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 powerful statement comes from George Bernard Shaw, a man synonymous with literary and critical success. At first glance, the quote seems deeply paradoxical. Why would anyone, especially an ambitious playwright and thinker, fear the very thing they strive for? However, a closer look reveals a profound philosophy about creativity, purpose, and the human drive for progress. Shaw did not reject achievement. Instead, he warned against the finality of it. For him, the true value was in the struggle, the growth, and the perpetual journey forward.
This perspective offers a timeless lesson. George Bernard Shaw – Biographical It challenges our conventional views on goals and accomplishments. It suggests that the end of a race is less important than the act of running it. Let’s explore the origins of this quote and the rich context that gives it such enduring power.
The Source and the Setting
To understand the quote, we must first know its origin. Source George Bernard Shaw published these words in the preface to his 1898 collection, Plays Pleasant and Unpleasant. . This timing is incredibly significant. In 1898, Shaw was not a retired figure reflecting on a completed career. On the contrary, he was a rising star whose controversial and brilliant plays were just beginning to gain widespread recognition.
He wrote this as he stood on the precipice of fame. Therefore, his words are not a nostalgic reflection but a forward-looking anxiety. He was contemplating the potential dangers of the very success he was starting to achieve. He feared that public adoration and critical acclaim could lead to creative stagnation. This context transforms the quote from a simple aphorism into a personal manifesto, a declaration of his intent to remain a dynamic and evolving artist, regardless of his status.
Deconstructing a Philosophy: Striving Over Arriving
Shaw’s quote is built on a powerful metaphor and a clear philosophical stance. He compares ultimate success to the grim fate of the male spider, whose life’s purpose ends at the moment of its fulfillment. This vivid imagery highlights his view of success as a form of death—the death of purpose, the end of striving, and the cessation of growth. For Shaw, reaching the final goal meant there was nowhere else to go. It was a creative dead end.
A State of Continual Becoming
The alternative he presents is a “state of continual becoming.” This idea is the core of his message. He championed process over product and the journey over the destination. This philosophy aligns perfectly with his well-known intellectual positions, including his commitment to Fabian Socialism. The Fabian Society advocated for gradual, continuous social reform rather than violent revolution. Similarly, Shaw believed personal and artistic development should be a constant, evolving process.
This mindset protects against complacency. When the goal is always ahead, one can never afford to rest on their laurels. There is always a new idea to explore, a new boundary to push, or a new injustice to challenge. Success, in the traditional sense, becomes a mere milestone on an infinite road, not the end of the road itself. It’s a call to embrace lifelong learning and relentless self-improvement.
Modern Relevance in a Goal-Obsessed World
Shaw’s century-old wisdom feels more relevant than ever today. We live in a culture that often glorifies outcomes over effort. Social media showcases curated moments of triumph—graduations, promotions, and product launches. Consequently, this focus can create immense pressure to