Political and social writings George Bernard Shaw

shaw in 1905

after turn of twentieth century, shaw increasingly propagated ideas through medium of plays. critic, writing in 1904, observed shaw s dramas provided pleasant means of proselytising socialism, adding mr shaw s views sought in prefaces plays . after loosening ties fabian movement in 1911, shaw s writings more personal , provocative; response furore following issue of common sense war in 1914, prepare sequel, more common sense war. in this, denounced pacifist line espoused ramsay macdonald , other socialist leaders, , proclaimed readiness shoot pacifists rather cede them power , influence. on advice of beatrice webb, pamphlet remained unpublished.

the intelligent woman s guide, shaw s main political treatise of 1920s, attracted both admiration , criticism. macdonald considered world s important book since bible; harold laski thought arguments outdated , lacking in concern individual freedoms. shaw s increasing flirtation dictatorial methods evident in many of subsequent pronouncements. new york times report dated 10 december 1933 quoted recent fabian society lecture in shaw had praised hitler, mussolini , stalin: [t]hey trying done, [and] adopting methods possible done . late second world war, in s political s what, shaw blamed allies abuse of 1918 victory rise of hitler, , hoped that, after defeat, führer escape retribution enjoy comfortable retirement in ireland or other neutral country . these sentiments, according irish philosopher-poet thomas duddy, rendered of shavian outlook passé , contemptible .

creative evolution , shaw s version of new science of eugenics, became increasing theme in political writing after 1900. introduced theories in revolutionist s handbook (1903), appendix man , superman, , developed them further during 1920s in methuselah. 1946 life magazine article observed shaw had tended @ people more biologist artist . 1933, in preface on rocks, writing if desire type of civilization , culture must exterminate sort of people not fit ; critical opinion divided on whether intended irony. in article in american magazine liberty in september 1938, shaw included statement: there many people in world ought liquidated . many commentators assumed such comments intended joke, although in worst possible taste. otherwise, life magazine concluded, silliness can classed more innocent bad guesses .

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