Meaning: This quote by George Bernard Shaw, the renowned Irish playwright and critic, reflects the idea that if you are not actively engaged in forming and expressing your own opinions, the opinions of others will readily fill the void. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to actively engage with our own thoughts and perspectives.

Shaw's quote highlights the vulnerability of the human mind to external influences when it is not actively occupied with independent thinking. The "smallest corner" of the head represents the potential space for doubt, uncertainty, or lack of conviction. In this state, the door is left open for the opinions of others to flood in, overwhelming and overshadowing one's own beliefs and judgments.

This concept is particularly relevant in today's interconnected world, where we are constantly bombarded by a multitude of opinions and viewpoints through various forms of media and social interaction. With the prevalence of social media, news outlets, and online forums, the potential for external opinions to permeate our thoughts and beliefs is greater than ever. If we are not vigilant in guarding our mental space, we risk being swayed by the opinions of others without fully considering or evaluating them against our own values and principles.

Shaw's quote also speaks to the importance of self-awareness and introspection. It encourages individuals to actively engage with their thoughts, beliefs, and values, and to be mindful of the influences that may seek to penetrate and shape their perspectives. By being conscious of the potential for external opinions to seep into our consciousness, we can take proactive steps to critically assess and validate our own viewpoints before allowing them to be overshadowed by the voices of others.

In a broader sense, the quote underscores the significance of intellectual independence and the value of forming opinions based on individual reflection and analysis. It serves as a call to action for individuals to cultivate a strong sense of self and to develop the capacity for independent thought, free from the undue influence of external pressures or societal expectations.

Ultimately, Shaw's quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the need to actively occupy our minds with our own thoughts and beliefs, rather than leaving them susceptible to the infiltration of external opinions. It encourages individuals to approach information critically, to question and challenge prevailing viewpoints, and to cultivate a sense of intellectual autonomy. By doing so, we can guard against the risk of being unduly swayed by the opinions of others and uphold the integrity of our own perspectives.