"明智的人使自己适应世界不明智的人坚持试图让世界适应自己因此一切进步都取决于那个不明智的人"

This quote is really about the nature of progress and innovation. At its heart, it says that while most people adjust themselves to fit the world around them, true change and advancement come from those who refuse to conform. These are the "unreasonable" people who push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

To understand why this is relevant, let's think about history. This was articulated by George Bernard Shaw, a playwright and critic whose work often explored social issues. Shaw was known for his sharp wit and keen observations about society. He wrote this in a time when the world was rapidly changing, and the roles of individuals in shaping society were a hot topic. His words remind us that all the significant leaps in technology, culture, and politics often come from those who dare to think differently and refuse to accept things as they are.

Imagine Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. He’s a perfect example. Jobs was notorious for his uncompromising vision. He didn't just want to create another computer; he wanted to revolutionize how we interact with technology. Many thought he was being unreasonable. Why not just make a better version of what already existed? But Jobs persisted, and because of his unyielding approach, we got products like the iPhone and the iPad, which changed the tech landscape forever.

So how do we apply this in our own lives? First, let's recognize that being "unreasonable" isn’t about being difficult for the sake of it. It’s about having a vision and sticking to it, even when others don’t see it. If you have an idea or a belief in something, don't be quick to dismiss it just because it doesn't fit the current mold. Challenge the norms. Ask questions that others aren’t asking. It can be as simple as suggesting a new way of doing things at work or as bold as starting a new business that turns an industry on its head.

Let’s consider a relatable scenario. Think about a young teacher named Maria. She works in a school with outdated teaching methods. Most of her colleagues have accepted this as just the way things are. But Maria believes her students could benefit from more interactive and tech-savvy approaches. Despite resistance from the administration, she starts integrating digital tools and project-based learning in her classroom. At first, it’s tough. She faces skepticism and a lot of "this is how we’ve always done it" attitudes. But as her students begin to engage more and show improved results, others start to take notice. Slowly, the school begins to adopt some of her methods, leading to significant changes in how education is delivered there.

The takeaway here? Don’t be afraid to be the "unreasonable" one. Progress doesn’t come from doing things the way they’ve always been done. It comes from those brave enough to imagine the world not as it is, but as it could be—and then doing something about it. So, next time you’re faced with a situation where the path seems set in stone, ask yourself: What would the unreasonable person do? Then go and do that.