Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything – George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s and beyond.

Let’s jump to the statement :

Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.

– George Bernard Shaw

In my opinion this is an idealistic view of personalities.
Why should you be patient when you have nothing ? In my opinion you should be working hard and hustling instead of being patient.

Attitude, does not change much for the person that acquire his wealth through hard work, a nice person remain a nice person, unless he had a lot of hidden emotions and frustration that can now be finally expressed with wealth.
Attitude change affects the members of the family that were not involved in the wealth creation, kids, wife, as arrogance might creep in.

But still, why these two snapshots of your life be what define you ?
Should these two characteristics: patience in poverty and attitude in wealth be the defining factors of an individual?
I think not, there are many more important characteristics that could be used as a criteria to judge an individual.

Nevertheless, let’s try to understand what George Bernard Shaw tried to say:

1. Patience when you have nothing:
   • This suggests that your true character is revealed during challenging and difficult times, especially when you have little or nothing. How you handle adversity, your ability to remain calm, persistent, and patient in the face of hardships, speaks volumes about your character. Patience in times of scarcity or struggle reflects resilience, inner strength, and the ability to endure difficulties without losing composure.
2. Attitude when you have everything:
   • Your attitude in times of prosperity, when you have everything you desire, demonstrates your humility, gratitude, and overall approach to life. Maintaining a positive and grounded attitude even when surrounded by success and abundance is seen as a reflection of one’s true character.