Civilization by George Bernard Shaw
"Civilization" by George Bernard Shaw is a play that explores the themes of power, corruption, and social inequality. The story follows the lives of several characters who are caught up in the political machinations of their society. Throughout the play, Shaw uses satire to critique the flaws of civilized societies and to question the values that underpin them.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1903 · Genre: Philosophical, Satire, Social Commentary · 85 words
First lines
Civilization is a disease produced by the practice of building societies with rotten material.
Those who admire modern civilization usually identify it with the steam engine and the electric telegraph.
Those who understand the steam engine and the electric telegraph spend their lives in trying to replace them with something better.
The imagination cannot conceive a viler criminal than he who should build another London like the present one, nor a greater benefactor than he who should destroy it.
What this Textopian page supports
Civilization is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Satire, Social Commentary, Essay
- Length: 85 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Civilization by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Civilization?
- How does this play by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Worldliness Of The Majority by George Bernard Shaw
- The Empire Of The Ignorant by G. K. Chesterton
- Whats Wrong With The World by G. K. Chesterton
- Some Words To Professor Whirlwind by G. K. Chesterton
- Liberty And Equality by George Bernard Shaw
- Democracy by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Philosophical — The text critiques modern civilization and questions the value of technological progress, reflecting philosophical themes.
- Satire — The work uses irony and exaggeration to criticize societal norms and the concept of civilization.
- Social Commentary — It provides a critical analysis of society and its reliance on technology, highlighting social issues.
- Essay — The structure and style resemble an essay, presenting arguments and reflections on civilization.
Tags
society · philosophy · politics · culture · humanity · ethics · progress · critique · socialism · individualism · morality · education