The statesman cannot govern without stability of belief, true or false.

This quote suggests that a statesman, or any leader for that matter, cannot effectively govern without having a firm set of beliefs. These beliefs can be either true or false, but the essential point is that they must be stable and consistent. The stability of belief serves as an anchor for their decision-making process and guides them in their actions and policies. It provides them with a sense of direction and purpose.

When Shaw mentions ‘true or false,’ he implies that it’s not so much about the objective truth or falsity of these beliefs but rather about the conviction with which they are held. A leader might hold certain beliefs that are objectively untrue, yet if they have faith in these ideas and consistently act upon them, they can still govern effectively.

Applying this to today’s world, we see leaders across the globe holding steadfast to their beliefs – whether those align with public opinion or not – as they make decisions affecting millions of people. For instance, some leaders may firmly believe in economic austerity measures during financial crises despite public backlash; others may persistently advocate for climate change policies even when facing opposition from industries.

In terms of personal development, this quote underscores the importance of having core values and sticking to them throughout life’s challenges. Just like a statesman needs stable belief to govern effectively, individuals need stable personal values to navigate life successfully. These values become our compasses during difficult times and help us make decisions aligned with our authentic selves — whether those choices are popular or not.

However, while Shaw emphasizes stability in belief for effective governance (or living), it’s also crucial to remain open-minded enough to question our own convictions periodically — ensuring we’re not blindly adhering to potentially misguided ideas simply because we’ve always believed in them.