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I feel I should qualify this 4-star rating: it's based more on the results of reading the book than on my enjoyment of the book itself. Shaw is a hell of an intellect and a delightfully acerbic critic of society, and there are several trenchant observations and commentaries in Man and Superman. However, when he veers toward -- for example -- an argument for state-sponsored eugenics, it gets kind of appalling.

If I were to rate the book solely on agreement with his propositions, it'd be a lower score due to the mixed bag: Shaw's keener observations are rather undermined by his apparent belief in the utility of eugenics as well as by his sourer cynicism. At one moment he exhibits concern for the well-being of all people and admirably progressive opinions against capital punishment; at another he expresses sharp disdain for the common fellow or "riffraff." Consensus notwithstanding, the book had me thinking in overdrive. I was repeatedly moved to scribble down quotes and ideas and rebuttals, more so than most books inspire. That definitely counts for something.