Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 20 votes)
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20 reviews
July 15,2025
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Yes, this is probably the most inappropriate (to modern eyes) and most Mansplainingly-bad title ever.

And yes, Shaw is a bit of a pompous, preening prick.

However, the book is a good, informative read. Surprisingly light given its subject matter.

It's condescending but not as much as you might think. At the bottom of it, he does know his stuff and has a point to prove, which he does mainly by showing us that the points we believe in and take as givens are ridiculous.

There are some gems in it. There are some great takes on society and the utter crap we believe and put up with that are pertinent to our age. For example, the role of the media, our willingness to be distracted from glaring inequality by hours and hours of TV, booze and drugs, and the rigged system we go on moaning about but never change.

A few sections are now out of date (useful to the historian) but many more are still right on the money.

Well worth a read.
July 15,2025
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It has to be said that a man writing a book for women is an interesting concept. Perhaps he should have stuck to writing plays, as that seems to be his forte.

However, it is important to note that the book is written by Shaw, a man who is known for his intelligence and wit. While his perspective may be different from that of a woman, it does not necessarily mean that his book is without value.

Shaw may have brought a unique male perspective to the subject matter, which could offer women a new way of looking at things. Additionally, his writing style and ability to craft engaging stories may make the book an enjoyable read for both men and women alike.

Ultimately, whether or not the book is successful will depend on the individual reader's expectations and preferences. Some women may find it enlightening and thought-provoking, while others may not resonate with Shaw's ideas.

Regardless, it is always interesting to see a man attempt to write for a female audience, and it will be interesting to see how this particular book is received.
July 15,2025
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I was truly amazed when I came across an original copy from 1904 that was printed in London.

It contained such great economic explanations that were not only profound but also very fitting for the time period in which it was written.

The insights provided in this old document offered a unique perspective on the economic conditions and trends of that era.

It was like taking a step back in time and observing the economic landscape through the eyes of those who lived during that period.

The language used was vivid and engaging, making it a pleasure to read and understand.

This original copy from 1904 serves as a valuable historical artifact, providing us with a wealth of information about the economic history of London and the world at large.

It is a reminder of how far we have come in our understanding of economics and how much we can still learn from the past.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this remarkable piece of literature and look forward to exploring more such treasures in the future.

July 15,2025
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Why INTELLIGENT WOMAN'S GUIDE? Because women are naturally more intelligent than men, as G.B.S. said.

Bernard Shaw was a socialist with rather complex views. He could simultaneously praise both Lenin and Mussolini. Later, after Munich, he even nominated Adolf Hitler for the Nobel Peace Prize. This introduction aims to persuade you to embrace Fabian Socialism. According to this ideology, the capitalist enemy is gradually worn down through various means such as strikes, sit-downs, and sit-down strikes, which are considered acts of everyday rebellion.

It might seem like a not-so-bad idea at first. However, the fact that there aren't many Fabians around these days should serve as a fair warning regarding their analysis of capitalism and their proposed recipe for its downfall. THE INTELLIGENT WOMAN'S GUIDE is like a time capsule of an era when every political option, ranging from soft socialism to fascism, seemed possible. My recommendation of this curious piece is that it manages to keep hope alive for a non-capitalist future.

It offers a unique perspective on the political and social landscape of that time and can stimulate our thinking about alternative economic and social systems.
July 15,2025
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This article is very interesting and informative.

Obviously, I do not agree with every single thing Shaw postulated. In particular, I have doubts about the feasibility of most of his ideas. However, I still enjoyed the book tremendously.

It is quite remarkable considering it is a book about politics and money. Through reading it, I feel that I have a better understanding of certain terms and ideas than I did before.

The author's exploration of these complex topics is engaging and thought-provoking. It makes me think about various aspects of politics and money in a new light.

Overall, despite my differences with some of Shaw's postulations, I would highly recommend this book to others who are interested in politics and money. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's knowledge and understanding of these important subjects.
July 15,2025
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I've read snippets of this book.

It's, of course, very dated as it was written in a different era from ours. However, Shaw was making an effort to bring about change in that other age.

It's a great historical book, especially if you have an interest in the history of socialism or women's issues.

It provides valuable insights into the thoughts and efforts of those who were striving for social and political transformation during that time.

Reading this book can help us better understand the roots and development of these important movements.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the past and how it has shaped our present.

July 15,2025
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I read this because I was well aware that, just like the majority of people, I truly didn't have a clear understanding of what socialism actually is.

It seems that many of us have only a vague or inaccurate perception of this important concept.

However, Shaw presents himself as the perfect solution to that very problem.

His works and ideas offer a unique perspective and a comprehensive exploration of socialism.

By delving into his writings, we can hope to gain a more in-depth and accurate understanding of what socialism means, how it functions, and its potential implications.

Shaw's insights and analyses can help us to break free from the common misunderstandings and misinterpretations that often surround socialism.

He provides us with the tools and knowledge necessary to form our own informed opinions and to engage in meaningful discussions about this crucial topic.

So, I am eager to explore Shaw's ideas further and to see how they can enhance my understanding of socialism.
July 15,2025
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I've included this in my course reader for my economics course.

It offers a critical perspective on current economic practices, which is truly remarkable.

The content is not only brilliant but also highly relevant and engaging.

It manages to present complex economic concepts in a way that is both understandable and entertaining.

The author's use of humor adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a joy to read.

By including this in the course reader, students are exposed to a different way of thinking about the economy and are encouraged to question the status quo.

This can lead to more in-depth discussions and a better understanding of the subject matter.

Overall, it is a great addition to the course and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in economics.

July 15,2025
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The text you provided seems a bit fragmented and lacking in a clear overall structure. However, I will do my best to rewrite and expand it while maintaining a somewhat coherent flow.


The argument presented convinced me that socialism wasn't a millenarian dream. It was both smart and convincing. The proponent argued that socialism is in the best interest of society. They likely pointed out how socialism aims to ensure equality, provide essential services to all, and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. It was presented in a way that made it seem like a viable and beneficial system.


However, I must disagree. While socialism has some noble ideals, in practice, it has often faced numerous challenges. Central planning can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of innovation. The distribution of resources may not always be fair, and there is a risk of creating a dependency culture. Additionally, history has shown that some socialist economies have struggled to grow and compete on the global stage.


In conclusion, while the idea of socialism may sound appealing, I am not convinced that it is the best solution for society. There are many factors to consider, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate. We need to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of different economic and social systems and find a balance that works for our specific circumstances.
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can assist you further.
July 15,2025
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What to say about this behemoth? There’s a wealth of good content within its pages, but one has to wade through a significant amount of Pygmalion-like condescension and outdated examples. I firmly believe we require a new version. It should be penned by a woman and titled "The Compassionate Man’s Guide to Social Justice."


Nonetheless, Shaw presented numerous excellent points. He approaches this as a thinker, not a politician. Although many of his economic discussions were more in-depth than I had the patience to fully follow, I am convinced that we can all gain from intellectually deliberating these matters. This hopefully prevents us from being swayed by agenda-driven political soundbites.


I was particularly intrigued by the timely discussion regarding the privatization of the post office. Shaw highlights how currently, the costs of very expensive services (such as delivering a letter deep into a rural area) are averaged out with the very cheap ones. A private company, he argues, would enter with the promise of doing it cheaper. However, since they couldn't reduce the cost of the expensive services, once they drive the post office out of business, the quality of services would decline and/or the prices would increase.


Personally, I hold the view that some things should not be privatized. I am old enough to recall when utilities were municipal services, not profit-making enterprises beholden to shareholders rather than citizens. I deeply miss both the attitude and the reasonable prices.


Throughout the book, Shaw references subjects currently in the news, such as universal basic income and the monetary value of taking care of children. He also makes the astute observation that "The most important and indispensable work of women, that of bearing and rearing children, and keeping house for them, was never paid for directly to the woman but always through the man; and so many foolish people came to forget that it was work at all, and spoke of Man as The Breadwinner. This was nonsense."


He concludes by mentioning that good will emerge from those who believe in leaving this world a better place than they found it. Truly, isn't this something that we should all be able to concur upon?

July 15,2025
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I - perhaps naïvely - didn't expect this to be quite so patronising!

It came as a complete surprise to me when I encountered such a patronising attitude. I had entered the situation with an open mind, hoping for a fair and respectful exchange. However, what I received was far from that. The way the other person spoke to me, the condescending tone, and the dismissive gestures all contributed to this sense of patronisation. It made me feel small and insignificant, as if my thoughts and opinions didn't matter. I couldn't help but wonder why they felt the need to act in such a way. Was it because they thought they were superior? Or perhaps they simply didn't know how to communicate effectively without being patronising. Whatever the reason, it was a disappointing experience that left a bitter taste in my mouth.
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