G&b shaw quotes on communication

George Bernard Shaw? William H. Whyte? Pierre Martineau? Joseph Coffman? Anonymous?

Question for Quote Investigator: I am copy editing a book, and the author would like to include an insightful remark about communication.

G&b shaw quotes on communication

Here are four versions:

1) The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

2) The greatest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.

3) The most serious danger in communication is the illusion of having achieved it.

4) The great enemy of communication is the illusion of it.

The first expression is usually attributed to the famous playwright George Bernard Shaw, but the citations I have seen are unconvincing.

I do not wish to reference a business book published in 2000 to support an ascription to Shaw. Would you please examine this topic?

Reply from Quote Investigator: There is no substantive evidence that George Bernard Shaw who died in 1950 made this statement.

The saying has been