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The fourth Thursday of the month is our time to get together for camaraderie, a fun meal, and of course a discussion, regarding something about Philosophy.
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The play, “Man and Superman,” by George Bernard Shaw, 1903.

A play that pretends to be a comedy.
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The popular or superficial theme:

After the death of her father, Ann Whitefield becomes the joint ward of two men: the respectable Roebuck Ramsden and John Tanner, author of “The Revolutionist’s Handbook.”
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Believing marriage would prevent him from achieving his higher intellectual and political ambitions, Tanner is horrified to discover that Ann intends to marry him, and he flees to Spain with the determined young woman in hot pursuit.
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The chase even leads them to the underworld, where the characters’ alter egos discuss questions of human nature and philosophy in a lively debate in a scene often performed separately as “Don Juan in Hell.”
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In Man and Superman, Shaw combined seriousness with comedy to create a satirical and buoyant exposé of the eternal struggle between the sexes.
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But at a deeper level, the play is about Nietzsche’s Ubermensch and Shaw’s Life-force.
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What if the Superman isn’t a man with a cape - but a woman buttering toast?
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George Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman is a wild ride: chase scenes on Spanish roads, a devil who hates boredom, and a hero who thinks he’s Nietzsche - until Ann Whitefield proves ideas lose to appetite every time.
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We’re reading it straight through - including the rarely-staged “Don Juan in Hell,” where heaven turns out quieter than hell.
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Bring your highlights. Bring your objections. Bring coffee.
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Questions to chew on as you read:
• When Tanner says “escape is impossible,” who is he trying to escape?
• Who actually becomes the Superman—and when?
• Does the Life Force care if you’re happy?
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We’ll probe to understand how Shaw resolved Nietzsche’s UberMench through actions instead of arguments.
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You choose: book, audiobook, or watch the play (if you can find it).
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https://www.audible.com/pd/B0096DAC2I?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=pdp

AI summary

By Meetup

Monthly philosophy discussion meetup for enthusiasts; attendees share a meal and discuss a topic to be announced, leaving with a recommended reading list.

Related topics

Events in Fountain Valley, CA
Free Thinker
Critical Thinking
Intellectual Discussions
Philosophy
Self Exploration

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