“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”
is widely attributed to George Bernard Shaw, though there is no definitive written record of him having said or written it in any of his published works or speeches.
Context and Meaning
Whether or not Shaw actually said it, the quote captures a key insight often relevant in business, education, and interpersonal relationships:
People frequently assume they have communicated clearly, when in fact the message has not been fully understood—or sometimes not even received.
This “illusion” can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and frustration. The statement has become popular in communication training and leadership contexts as a reminder to check for understanding rather than assuming it.
Possible Origins
- The phrase likely became popular in the late 20th century, and while it fits Shaw’s style of critical observation and wit, its attribution remains disputed.
- Some communication scholars and business writers have cited it without a verified source, contributing to the confusion around its origin.
The Author
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist, widely regarded as one of the most influential dramatists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Dublin, Shaw moved to London in 1876, where he established himself as a writer and public intellectual.
Initially achieving success as a music and theatre critic, Shaw became best known for his plays, which combined social critique with sharp wit and engaging dialogue. His major works include Pygmalion, Man and Superman, Major Barbara, and Saint Joan. Through these and other plays, he challenged prevailing attitudes on class, education, marriage, religion, and political systems.
A committed socialist, Shaw was a founding member of the Fabian Society, promoting gradual social reform and contributing to the early Labour movement in the UK.
In 1925, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work, which was praised for its idealism and humanity. Shaw declined the monetary award, though he accepted the honour.
Shaw continued writing into his nineties and remained an active public commentator throughout his life. He died in 1950 at the age of 94, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and public thought.
