A man without an address is a vagabond; a man with two addresses is a libertine.
A man without an address is a vagabond; a man with two addresses is a libertine.
What did George Bernard Shaw mean by:

A man without an address is a vagabond; a man with two addresses is a libertine.

This quote is a metaphorical examination of the human condition, particularly regarding our sense of belonging and identity. A man without an address, or a vagabond, represents someone who lacks stability or roots. They may be seen as free in one sense but are also adrift and disconnected from society.

On the other hand, a man with two addresses symbolizes someone who is not committed to one place or one set of values. This person could be seen as versatile and adaptable but might also be perceived as indecisive or untrustworthy – hence the term ‘libertine,’ which often refers to someone unrestrained by convention or morality.

In today’s world, this concept can apply to many areas like personal relationships, career paths, cultural identities etc. For instance, in personal development it could mean that having no clear goals (no address) leaves us feeling lost (vagabond), while having too many conflicting goals (two addresses) can lead us to a lack of focus and commitment (libertine).

The idea encourages balance–having a clear purpose and direction (an address), yet being flexible enough to adapt when necessary without compromising on core values. It suggests that we should commit ourselves fully to what we believe in while maintaining an open mind for growth and change.

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