George Bernard Shaw on Socialism

In addition to being a renowned playwright, George Bernard Shaw was also a charter member of the Fabian Society. Although it is generally believed that Fabian socialists seek so-called peaceable socialist objectives, Shaw wrote:

I also made it quite clear that socialism means equality of income or nothing, and that under Socialism you would not be allowed to be poor. You would be forcibly fed, clothed, lodged, taught, and employed whether you like it or not. If it were discovered that you had not character and industry enough to be worth all this trouble, you might possibly be executed in a kindly manner; but whilst you were permitted to live you would have to live well.¹

Sources:

1. Shaw, George Bernard. The Intelligent Woman’s Guide to Socialism and Capitalism. London: Constable, 1928. 470.↩