Reason by George Bernard Shaw (1903)
"Reason" is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the concept of reason and its role in society. The story follows the character of Professor Max Reinhardt, who believes that humanity can only progress through rational thought and scientific inquiry. However, his beliefs are challenged when he meets a group of people who have rejected reason in favor of emotion and intuition. Through their interactions, Shaw explores the tension between reason and emotion, and ultimately argues for a balance between the two.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1903 · Genre: Philosophical, Essay, Satire · 53 words
First lines
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
The man who listens to Reason is lost: Reason enslaves all whose minds are not strong enough to master her.
What this Textopian page supports
Reason is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Essay, Satire
- Length: 53 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Reason 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 Reason?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Influence Of Rationalism by George Eliot
- An Iconoclast by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The New Freethinker by G. K. Chesterton
- Credulity No Criterion by George Bernard Shaw
- Some Words To Professor Whirlwind by G. K. Chesterton
- Belief In Personal Immortality No Criterion by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of reason, progress, and the nature of human adaptation, which are central to philosophical inquiry.
- Essay — The work presents a concise argument or thesis about the nature of reason and progress, characteristic of an essay.
- Satire — The text uses irony and wit to critique societal norms and the concept of reason, aligning with satirical writing.
Tags
philosophy · rationalism · logic · humanism · ethics · society · critique · intellect · reasoning · debate · morality · individualism