Table of Contents
Summary of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw’s essay “Freedom” is a sharp and witty exploration of what real freedom means and how society often-misunderstands it. Shaw begins by challenging the idea of complete personal liberty. A “perfectly free person,” he explains, is a myth — no one can do whatever they please all the time because nature itself imposes limits. We must eat, sleep, and work; these natural needs make us slaves to necessity.
Natural and Artificial Slavery
Shaw draws a distinction between natural slavery — the duties we owe to nature — and unnatural slavery, which humans impose on one another. Nature’s demands, he argues, are pleasant enough; we enjoy eating, sleeping, and resting. But human slavery, the control of one person over another, is hateful and degrading. It produces suffering and social conflict, seen in the class struggle between workers and employers.
The Illusion of Political Freedom
The essay then exposes the hypocrisy of political systems that pretend to grant freedom while actually enforcing dependence. Shaw mocks governments that promise liberty through the vote but keep workers bound by long hours and low pay. He argues that being allowed to choose between two rich politicians every few years is not true freedom. The newspapers and schools, he adds, teach people to believe they are free — when in fact, they are merely serving new masters under different names.
False Education and Class Delusion
According to Shaw, both the rich and poor are deceived by the system. The upper class believes they are naturally superior because of their privileged upbringing, while the poor accept their hardships as unavoidable. Society, he says, trains people from childhood to worship wealth, power, and “gentlemanly” manners — turning obedience and ignorance into virtues.
True Meaning of Freedom
Shaw concludes that freedom does not mean doing whatever one wants. It means having leisure — time and means to live with dignity after honest work. He urges readers to stop glorifying the illusion of political liberty and to demand more time for living rather than merely surviving. Real freedom, he says, lies in reducing unnecessary toil, ensuring fair distribution of wealth, and replacing false pride with honest labour.
In the end, Shaw leaves the reader with a practical question: would you rather work hard for a short part of life or work less for a longer, peaceful one? Through this, he reminds us that freedom is not a gift—it is a responsibility that begins with awareness and honest effort.
Line by Line Explanation of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw’s Freedom is a thoughtful essay that questions the common idea of liberty. It explores how true freedom is not absolute and how social, political, and economic systems limit it. Below is a line-by-line explanation divided into conceptual chunks for better understanding.
1. The Myth of Absolute Freedom
“What is a perfectly free person? Evidently a person who can do what he likes, when he likes, and where he likes…”
Shaw begins by defining what people generally think freedom means — the ability to do anything, anytime, anywhere. But he immediately rejects this idea, saying that no one can ever be entirely free.
“Whether we like it or not, we must all sleep for one third of our lifetime… we must spend a couple of hours eating and drinking…”
Here, Shaw explains that nature itself limits our freedom. Human beings must obey natural needs like sleeping, eating, washing, and moving. Even kings and commoners are bound by these necessities. Thus, total freedom is impossible.
2. Nature’s Demands and the Burden of Labour
“As we must eat we must first provide food; as we must sleep, we must have beds… as we must walk through the streets, we must have clothes…”
Shaw points out that our basic needs lead to labour — we must work to produce food, shelter, and clothing. These things do not come free; they must be earned through human effort.
“But when they are produced they can be stolen… what you do to a horse or a bee, you can also do to a man or woman or a child…”
Here, Shaw draws attention to exploitation. Just as humans take honey from bees or use horses for labour, they also exploit one another. Those who have power, wealth, or cleverness shift their burdens onto others. This marks the beginning of social slavery.
3. Slavery and the Role of Government
“If you allow any person, or class of persons, to get the upper hand of you, he will shift all that part of his slavery to Nature that can be shifted on to your shoulders…”
Shaw warns readers not to let others dominate them. The powerful will make the poor work harder, turning them into slaves.
“The object of all honest governments should be to prevent your being imposed on in this way. But the object of most actual governments, I regret to say, is exactly the opposite.”
According to Shaw, real governments should protect citizens from exploitation. Unfortunately, most governments do the opposite — they maintain systems that benefit the rich.
“They enforce your slavery and call it freedom.”
This line is filled with irony. Governments create laws that keep people working long hours and then pretend that this hard life is freedom.
4. The Illusion of Democracy
“They redeem this promise by giving you a vote… and you are free to choose which of them you will vote for to spite the other…”
Shaw mocks the idea of democracy where citizens are allowed to vote but have no real power. The choice between two rich politicians, he says, changes nothing.
“The newspapers assure you that your vote has decided the election… and you are fool enough to believe them.”
He criticises how the media tricks people into thinking they have control. In reality, the working class remains bound by economic chains even after elections.
5. Natural vs. Unnatural Slavery
“Nature is kind to her slaves… The slavery of man to man is the very opposite of this.”
Here, Shaw contrasts natural slavery (our dependence on nature) with unnatural slavery (being controlled by other humans). Nature’s rules are pleasant — eating, sleeping, and resting bring joy. But human-made slavery is cruel and hateful.
“Our poets do not praise it: they proclaim that no man is good enough to be another man’s master.”
He stresses that moral thinkers and poets have always condemned human oppression.
6. The False Notion of Freedom
“From our earliest years we are taught that our country is the land of the free…”
Shaw exposes how people are brainwashed from childhood to believe that their country is free. History lessons glorify wars and revolutions as victories for liberty, but in truth, social and economic inequality continues.
“When we grumble, we are told that all our miseries are our own doing because we have the vote…”
Governments blame the poor for their condition, claiming they already have all the freedom they need. Shaw mocks this as a clever trick to silence the oppressed.
7. The Delusion of the Master Class
“A gentleman whose mind has been formed at a preparatory school… is much more thoroughly taken in…”
Shaw observes that the rich are often more deceived than the poor. Their education teaches them to believe they are naturally superior. Thus, they defend an unjust system that keeps others poor.
“The great mass of our rack-rented, underpaid… workers cannot feel so sure about it as the gentleman.”
Working people, facing daily hardship, see through this falsehood, but they are too weak to change it.
8. Education and Social Conditioning
“Always remember that though nobody likes to be called a slave, it does not follow that slavery is a bad thing.”
Shaw uses irony again. He explains how the rich justify social hierarchy by pretending that slavery maintains order.
“Great men, like Aristotle, have held that law and order would be impossible unless… people have to obey are beautifully dressed and decorated…”
He mocks the belief that authority must appear godlike — wearing fine clothes, speaking in a special way, and commanding obedience. Society, he says, teaches people to worship power and appearance rather than truth.
9. The Question of Distribution and Work
“The practical question at the bottom of it all is how the income of the whole country can best be distributed…”
Shaw turns to economics. He argues that modern industry produces far more than before, but wealth is not shared fairly. If it were, everyone could live comfortably.
“But do not forget… this marvellous increase includes things like needles and steel pins and matches…”
Here, he reminds readers that industrial progress does not always mean better living conditions. Not everything produced adds to real comfort or happiness.
10. The True Limits of Freedom
“Wipe out from your dreams of freedom the hope of being able to do as you please all the time…”
Shaw summarises that absolute freedom is impossible because nature, law, and society all set boundaries.
“If the laws are reasonable and impartially administered you have no reason to complain…”
He accepts that some restrictions are good — laws protect citizens and maintain order.
“But as society is constituted at present, there is another far more intimate compulsion on you: that of your landlord and employer.”
He notes that economic pressure is the biggest threat to personal freedom. Employers can control workers’ time, income, and even opinions.
11. Freedom, Leisure, and Real Choice
“If you have to work for twelve hours a day you have four hours a day to do what you like with…”
Shaw explains how long working hours leave little time for true living. Even when people are free from work, they are often too tired to enjoy life or learn anything new.
“Always call freedom by its old English name of leisure, and keep clamouring for more leisure and more money to enjoy it…”
He redefines freedom as leisure — having time to think, rest, and grow after honest labour.
12. The Closing Thought
“If you had your choice, would you work for eight hours a day and retire at forty-five… or work four hours a day and keep on working until you are seventy?”
Shaw ends with a reflective question, making readers think about what kind of freedom they really want — wealth and early rest or steady, meaningful work for longer life.
Through this essay, Shaw brilliantly exposes the false ideas of freedom fed to society. He urges readers to demand not just the right to vote, but the right to live fully — with dignity, equality, and leisure.
Important Questions and Answers from Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
These questions include short, extract-based, and analytical questions designed to help students understand the essay deeply and prepare for exams.
Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
Q1. Who is the author of the essay Freedom?
A. Freedom is written by
George Bernard Shaw, the famous Irish dramatist and
critic.
Q2. What, according to Shaw, is a perfectly free person?
A. A perfectly free person, in theory, can do whatever
they like, whenever and wherever they like — but such a person doesn’t
exist.
Q3. What limits human freedom according to Shaw?
A. Nature limits human freedom through necessities like
eating, sleeping, and working.
Q4. What does Shaw call the “slavery of man to Nature”?
A. It means the unavoidable duties of life — like
eating, sleeping, and working — which are necessary for survival.
Q5. What is meant by “unnatural slavery”?
A. It refers to the exploitation of humans by other
humans — when the powerful make others work for them.
Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)
Q6. How does Shaw distinguish between natural and unnatural
slavery?
A. Shaw says natural slavery is pleasant because it
comes from nature — eating, sleeping, and resting bring joy. But
unnatural slavery, created by humans, is hateful and cruel because it
forces one person to serve another.
Q7. Why does Shaw say governments “enforce slavery and call it
freedom”?
A. He believes most governments protect the interests
of the rich. They give people the illusion of freedom through voting,
but the working class still remains bound by economic and social chains.
Q8. What role does education play in maintaining social
inequality?
A. Education, according to Shaw, brainwashes people
from childhood to obey the rich and accept inequality as natural. It
trains both the poor to submit and the rich to feel superior.
Q9. Why does Shaw use the word “leisure” instead of
“freedom”?
A. He believes true freedom means having time to live,
rest, and think after honest work. Hence, “leisure” represents real
freedom better than empty political slogans.
Q10. What advice does Shaw give at the end of his essay?
A. Shaw advises readers to stop boasting about freedom
and start demanding more leisure and fair wages — that’s how true
liberty can exist.
Extract-Based Questions (3–4 Marks)
Extract 1:
“They enforce your slavery and call it freedom.”
Q1. Who are ‘they’ in this line?
A. ‘They’ refers to the governments and ruling classes
who control society.
Q2. What does the author mean by this statement?
A. Shaw means that governments pretend to give people
freedom while keeping them tied to poverty, taxes, and long working
hours.
Q3. What tone does the writer use here?
A. The tone is ironic and critical — Shaw exposes the
hypocrisy of political systems.
Extract 2:
“Nature is kind to her slaves. The slavery of man to man is the very opposite of this.”
Q1. What does Shaw mean by ‘Nature is kind to her slaves’?
A. He means that nature’s demands, like eating and
sleeping, are enjoyable, not painful.
Q2. Why does he say ‘the slavery of man to man’ is the
opposite?
A. Because human slavery causes misery, injustice, and
hatred, unlike natural needs which bring satisfaction.
Analytical and Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)
Q11. How does Shaw expose the illusion of political freedom?
A. Shaw argues that political freedom, like the right
to vote, is meaningless when economic conditions keep people poor and
dependent. Governments deceive citizens into believing they are free,
but real power remains with the wealthy. This illusion keeps the working
class quiet while exploitation continues.
Q12. What does Shaw say about the education of the rich and the
poor?
A. Shaw observes that education for the rich
strengthens their belief in superiority, while the poor are trained to
accept obedience. Both groups are trapped in false ideas — one in pride,
the other in submission. Thus, education becomes a tool of control
rather than enlightenment.
Q13. What is Shaw’s view on the relationship between work and
freedom?
A. Shaw believes that work is necessary but should not
destroy life’s joy. A person should have enough time —
leisure — to rest, learn, and think. Long working hours without
leisure make people slaves, not free citizens.
Q14. How does Shaw redefine the idea of freedom for modern
society?
A. Shaw redefines freedom as the balance between work,
law, and leisure. True freedom, he says, is not in doing whatever one
wants, but in living without exploitation, with time and money to enjoy
life after fair work.
Q15. What lesson does Shaw want his readers to learn?
A. Shaw wants readers to stop being fooled by political
slogans and to fight for a society where everyone works fairly, shares
wealth equally, and enjoys real leisure.
Analytical & HOTS MCQs from Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
These questions encourage students to think deeply about the message, irony, and moral lessons in Freedom by George Bernard Shaw.
Q1.
Shaw says, “They enforce your slavery and call it freedom.” What best
explains his tone here?
A. Sarcastic criticism of fake freedom.
B. Admiration for democratic systems.
C. Hope for future governments.
D. Faith in the political elite.
Answer: A
Explanation: Shaw’s tone is sarcastic. He mocks how governments
deceive people by labelling controlled conditions as “freedom.”
Q2.
Why does Shaw believe that complete freedom can never exist?
A. Because laws are unfair.
B. Because nature and society both limit human actions.
C. Because governments stop people from working.
D. Because only rich people deserve it.
Answer: B
Explanation: Shaw argues that nature’s rules (like eating and
sleeping) and society’s rules both restrict complete personal liberty.
Q3.
Shaw calls education a tool of slavery because:
A. It fails to teach practical skills.
B. It spreads false pride and obedience to the upper class.
C. It discourages hard work.
D. It does not reward poor students.
Answer: B
Explanation: Shaw criticises the education system for
brainwashing children to respect wealth and authority, keeping the poor
submissive.
Q4.
Which of the following best reflects Shaw’s view on democracy?
A. Voting ensures complete freedom.
B. Democracy is just another way to control workers.
C. Democracy gives everyone equal power.
D. Democracy is unnecessary in society.
Answer: B
Explanation: Shaw sees modern democracy as an illusion — people
vote, but real power remains with the wealthy and powerful.
Q5.
When Shaw contrasts “natural slavery” with “slavery of man to man,” what
point is he making?
A. Human-made systems are kinder than nature.
B. Nature’s compulsion is pleasant, while human exploitation is
cruel.
C. Both are equally enjoyable.
D. Freedom from both is possible.
Answer: B
Explanation: Shaw shows that while nature’s rules bring
satisfaction, being ruled by another human causes misery and conflict.
Q6.
What is Shaw’s attitude towards the so-called “master class”?
A. Respectful and admiring.
B. Neutral but cautious.
C. Critical and ironic.
D. Supportive of their wealth.
Answer: C
Explanation: Shaw mocks the arrogance of the upper class,
showing how they are more deluded by false education than the poor.
Q7.
What does Shaw suggest is the true test of freedom?
A. The right to vote and speak freely.
B. Having time and money to enjoy life after fair work.
C. Having power over others.
D. Living without any laws.
Answer: B
Explanation: For Shaw, real freedom means leisure — not endless
labour but time to live, rest, and think.
Q8.
How does Shaw connect the idea of freedom with
labour?
A. He sees labour as a form of punishment.
B. He views labour as essential but should be fairly shared.
C. He wants to abolish all work.
D. He believes only the rich should work.
Answer: B
Explanation: Shaw says everyone must contribute their share of
work honestly — freedom lies in fairness, not idleness.
Q9.
Shaw writes, “Always call freedom by its old English name of leisure.”
What does this reveal about his message?
A. Freedom is about rest and reflection, not mere political rights.
B. Freedom is the same as luxury.
C. Leisure is only for the upper class.
D. He supports laziness.
Answer: A
Explanation: Shaw believes that freedom means balanced living —
having leisure to think and grow, not just voting or working endlessly.
Q10.
Shaw ends the essay with a question about working hours and retirement.
Why?
A. To make readers think about what real happiness means.
B. To promote early retirement.
C. To show that work is pointless.
D. To encourage laziness.
Answer: A
Explanation: Shaw wants readers to reflect — is freedom about
rest, wealth, or satisfaction? He invites personal thought rather than
giving a fixed answer.
Theme, Message, and Critical Analysis of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
Theme of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw’s Freedom explores the true meaning of liberty — not as a political slogan, but as a real condition of human life. Shaw questions whether anyone can ever be completely free. He argues that both nature and society place limits on human actions.
At first, he shows that natural slavery — the need to eat, sleep, and work — is part of life and not unpleasant. But unnatural slavery, where people exploit one another, is cruel and unjust. This difference forms the heart of the essay.
Shaw’s theme expands to economic freedom, social justice, and mental independence. He believes that people are fooled by false notions of democracy, education, and patriotism. Governments, media, and schools make citizens believe they are free, even while they remain tied to poverty and endless labour.
He therefore redefines freedom as leisure — the right to rest, think, and live with dignity after honest work.
Main Ideas and Sub-Themes
-
No one is completely free.
Nature itself sets boundaries — humans must obey biological needs. -
Slavery exists in many forms.
While natural slavery is gentle, human slavery is harsh and degrading. -
Governments and systems deceive people.
Political rights like voting do not guarantee real freedom if economic chains still exist. -
False education strengthens social inequality.
The rich are trained to rule; the poor are trained to obey. -
True freedom means leisure.
Only when people have time to live, rest, and think can they be truly free.
Message of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
Shaw’s message is both philosophical and practical. He wants readers to understand that:
-
Freedom is not doing whatever one wishes — it is being free from unnecessary control.
-
Political liberty without economic equality is a hollow victory.
-
Governments, industries, and even education can disguise slavery as freedom.
-
Real freedom requires awareness, fairness, and balance — the courage to think, question, and demand justice.
In short, Shaw reminds us that freedom is not a gift from authority; it must be earned, understood, and protected by ordinary people.
Critical Analysis of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
Freedom is a masterclass in clear, persuasive, and ironic writing. Shaw combines logic with humour to criticise society without sounding dull or moralising.
-
Style and Tone
Shaw writes in a conversational style — direct, witty, and slightly sarcastic. His use of irony (“They enforce your slavery and call it freedom”) makes readers pause and reflect. He does not simply inform; he provokes thought. -
Use of Contrast
The essay contrasts natural slavery with unnatural slavery, real freedom with false freedom, and truth with illusion. These opposites help readers see how societies twist meanings to serve the powerful. -
Critique of Democracy and Capitalism
Shaw boldly exposes the hypocrisy behind so-called democratic systems. He shows how people are made to believe they are free because they can vote, even though they still live under economic control. -
Relevance Today
Although written in the early 20th century, Freedom remains strikingly modern. In today’s world of long working hours, political propaganda, and consumer slavery, Shaw’s message feels as urgent as ever. -
Philosophical Depth
Shaw’s definition of freedom goes beyond politics. He links it with moral awareness and mental liberation — the ability to think independently. True freedom, he says, is not found in governments or parliaments, but in the mind that refuses to be deceived.
Conclusion
In Freedom by George Bernard Shaw, the writer urges us to look beyond surface-level liberty. Freedom is not the right to vote, or to speak — it is the right to live without fear, exploitation, or exhaustion. It is the right to leisure, to truth, and to self-respect.
Shaw leaves readers with a challenge:
Are we truly free, or have we merely learned to call our chains “freedom”?
That question — bold, uncomfortable, and timeless — is what makes Freedom one of Shaw’s most powerful essays.
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Important Vocabulary and Meanings from Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
Understanding the key vocabulary from Freedom by George Bernard
Shaw helps readers grasp the essay’s deep ideas about liberty, society,
and justice.
Below are some of the most important words and phrases used by Shaw —
explained in easy language with examples.
1. Evidently
Meaning: Clearly; obviously.
Example:
He was evidently tired after working all day.
👉 Shaw uses this word to state that a “perfectly free person” is someone
who can do whatever they like — but such a person doesn’t exist.
2. Necessities
Meaning: Basic needs required for survival (like food,
water, sleep, clothing).
Example: Shelter and food are human necessities.
👉 Shaw explains that nature forces everyone to follow these necessities,
showing that absolute freedom is impossible.
3. Slavery
Meaning: The state of being under another’s control or
forced to work without freedom.
Example:
He compared long working hours to modern slavery.
👉 Shaw uses “slavery” to describe both natural dependence and social
exploitation.
4. Exploitation
Meaning: Unfair treatment or use of others for personal
gain.
Example:
The workers protested against exploitation by factory owners.
👉 In the essay, Shaw exposes how the rich exploit the poor through labour
systems and call it freedom.
5. Deception
Meaning: The act of making someone believe something
untrue.
Example: The advertisement was full of deception.
👉 Shaw accuses governments and the upper class of deceiving citizens with
false promises of freedom.
6. Leisure
Meaning: Free time after work; time for rest or
enjoyment.
Example: He spent his leisure reading poetry.
👉 Shaw says real freedom is leisure — not constant work but
having time to live and think.
7. Compulsion
Meaning: The force or pressure to do something.
Example: He acted under compulsion, not choice.
👉 Shaw points out that both nature and society compel humans to act in
certain ways, limiting their freedom.
8. Illusion
Meaning: A false idea or belief that seems true.
Example:
The promise of equality was just an illusion.
👉 Shaw calls political freedom an illusion because voting rights don’t
end real slavery.
9. Hypocrisy
Meaning: Pretending to have beliefs or values one doesn’t
truly follow.
Example:
Preaching honesty while cheating is hypocrisy.
👉 Shaw criticises the hypocrisy of governments that praise freedom while
enforcing control.
10. Equality
Meaning: The state of being treated fairly and having the
same rights.
Example: They fought for equality in education.
👉 Shaw’s essay argues that freedom without equality is meaningless.
11. Propaganda
Meaning: Biased or misleading information used to
influence people.
Example:
The newspaper spread political propaganda.
👉 Shaw says schools and media spread propaganda to make citizens believe
they are free.
12. Aristocracy
Meaning: The highest social class; people born into
wealth and privilege.
Example:
The aristocracy lived in luxury while peasants suffered.
👉 Shaw criticises the arrogance of the aristocracy, who believe they are
naturally superior.
13. Irony
Meaning: Expressing something opposite to what is meant,
often for humour or criticism.
Example:
It’s irony when a “free” man can’t afford to eat.
👉 Shaw uses irony throughout the essay to expose social and political
lies.
14. Enlightenment
Meaning: Deep understanding or awareness; intellectual
awakening.
Example:
Education should lead to enlightenment, not blind obedience.
👉 Shaw believes true freedom requires enlightenment — the ability to
think independently.
15. Distribution
Meaning: The act of sharing or dividing resources
fairly.
Example:
The fair distribution of wealth can reduce poverty.
👉 Shaw argues that freedom depends on fair distribution of income and
work.
16. Wage-Slaves
Meaning: Workers who depend entirely on wages and have
little control over their lives.
Example:
Shaw calls the poor ‘wage-slaves’ because they must obey their
employers to survive.
17. Oppression
Meaning: Cruel or unfair treatment that limits
freedom.
Example:
The people revolted against years of oppression.
👉 Shaw shows how social and political systems keep the masses under
silent oppression.
18. Leisure vs Labour
Meaning: Leisure is rest and self-enjoyment;
labour is hard work.
Example:
A balance between leisure and labour brings true happiness.
👉 Shaw insists that true freedom comes when labour is fair and leisure is
possible.
19. Illiterate Obedience
Meaning: Blindly following authority without
understanding.
Example:
Illiterate obedience keeps people trapped in false beliefs.
👉 Shaw warns that people who don’t question authority will remain slaves
in the name of freedom.
20. Liberation
Meaning: The act of gaining freedom or escaping
control.
Example:
The essay aims for mental and social liberation.
👉 Shaw’s central idea is not just political but moral liberation —
freeing the mind from lies and fear.
Quick Recap
| Word | Meaning (Short) | Related Idea in Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Slavery | Being controlled by others | Human exploitation |
| Leisure | Free time | True freedom |
| Illusion | False belief | Fake political freedom |
| Propaganda | Misleading ideas | Brainwashing citizens |
| Equality | Fair treatment | Basis of justice |
Questions and Answers of Freedom by George Bernard Shaw
Stop and Think – 1
1. What are the links between natural jobs, labour and
slavery?
(Very Short Answer – 30–40 words)
Natural jobs like eating, sleeping, and building shelter require human
effort, or labour. When some people force others to do this work for
them, it leads to slavery — turning natural necessity into social
exploitation.
2. What ought to be the object of all governments, and what do we
actually find it to be?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Shaw says honest governments should prevent citizens from being
exploited by others. However, in reality, most governments protect the
interests of the powerful. They disguise control as liberty, forcing
people to work long hours while pretending to give them freedom through
voting and empty promises.
Stop and Think – 2
1. What causes the master class to be more deluded than the enslaved
classes?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
The master class is educated to believe in its own superiority. Wealth
and privilege blind them to injustice. Their schools and social
upbringing teach them false ideas of honour and status. The poor face
harsh realities and see the truth, but the rich live comfortably in
illusions.
2. According to Aristotle, what are the conditions to be fulfilled
for the common people to accept law and order, and government, and all
that they imply?
(Very Short Answer – 30–40 words)
Aristotle believed that ordinary people obey laws only when rulers
appear noble and superior — richly dressed, well-mannered, and powerful.
Such appearances make people respect authority and accept their social
position.
3. How can reasonable laws, impartially administered, contribute to
one’s freedom?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Shaw believes that fair laws protect citizens from chaos and violence.
When laws are just and applied equally, they increase freedom by
ensuring safety and stability. Such laws stop people from exploiting or
harming one another, allowing everyone to live without fear.
4. What are the ways in which individual freedom gets
restricted?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Freedom is restricted by natural needs, laws, landlords, and employers.
Nature demands food and rest; laws control behaviour; landlords control
living space; and employers control income and time. Together, these
limits make personal freedom difficult to achieve.
Stop and Think 1 (Understanding Freedom and Discipline by J. Krishnamurti)
1. Why do most people find it easier to conform, imitate, and follow
a self-appointed guru?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Most people fear thinking for themselves. It feels easier to follow
someone who claims to know the truth. Krishnamurti says this obedience
kills intelligence because it prevents questioning. People prefer
comfort in guidance over the challenge of self-discovery.
2. What is the inward struggle that the author refers to?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Krishnamurti speaks of a conflict between what one truly feels and what
society expects. Inside, a person may want freedom, but outside, family
and tradition demand obedience. This constant tension creates inner
struggle and confusion.
Understanding the Text
1. Point out the difference between the slavery of man to Nature and
the unnatural slavery of man to Man.
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Slavery to Nature is natural and pleasant — eating, sleeping, and
resting give satisfaction. But slavery to Man is painful and unjust.
When one person controls another for profit or power, it causes misery
and moral decay. Shaw calls this unnatural and cruel.
2. What are the ways in which people are subjected to greater control
in the personal spheres than in the wider political sphere?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Politically, people may vote or speak freely, but in personal life, they
face control from landlords, employers, and social customs. These daily
pressures — long working hours, fear of unemployment, and class
prejudice — limit their freedom more than politics ever could.
3. List the common misconceptions about ‘freedom’ that Shaw tries to
debunk.
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Shaw rejects the belief that voting means freedom, that democracy
ensures equality, or that hard work alone brings success. He says such
ideas hide real slavery — where people work endlessly for others while
being told they are free citizens.
4. Why, according to Krishnamurti, are the concepts of freedom and
discipline contradictory to one another?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Krishnamurti argues that discipline builds barriers, while freedom
removes them. When rules are imposed from outside, they limit natural
curiosity. True freedom means self-awareness — learning through
understanding, not obedience.
5. How does the process of inquiry lead to true freedom?
(Short Answer – 50–60 words)
Inquiry means questioning beliefs, traditions, and fears. Krishnamurti
says thinking deeply helps a person discover truth on their own. This
independent understanding frees the mind from blind following and leads
to real freedom.
Talking about the Text
1. According to the author, the masses are prevented from realising
their slavery; the masses are also continually reminded that they have
the right to vote. Do you think this idea holds good for our country
too?
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
Yes, Shaw’s idea still applies to many societies, including ours. People
are told they live in a free democracy because they can vote, yet their
daily lives remain ruled by economic and social forces. Many citizens
work long hours for low pay and depend on employers, landlords, and
corporations.
The illusion of political power hides the truth of economic dependence.
Media and education often glorify patriotism and democracy but rarely
question inequality. True freedom should mean more than just casting a
vote; it should include fair wages, education, and dignity.
Shaw’s message reminds us that awareness is essential. People must
recognise when they are being controlled or misled. Only then can
democracy serve its real purpose — giving citizens both voice and value.
2. ‘Nature may have tricks up her sleeve to check us if the chemists
exploit her too greedily.’ Discuss.
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
Shaw warns that science and industry, though useful, can be dangerous if
used without responsibility. He mentions how human greed pushes nature
to her limits through excessive use of chemicals and machines. While
technology increases production, it can damage the environment and
disturb natural balance.
This statement is prophetic. Today, pollution, climate change, and
depletion of natural resources show that nature indeed “has tricks up
her sleeve” — ways to punish human excess. Floods, droughts, and
diseases are nature’s responses to exploitation.
Shaw’s idea teaches moderation. Human progress must respect nature’s
boundaries. Real intelligence lies not in conquering nature but in
co-operating with it. Freedom from want should never come at the cost of
the planet’s health.
3. Respect for elders is not to be confused with blind obedience.
Discuss.
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
Krishnamurti’s essay highlights that respect and blind obedience are
different. Respect is born of understanding and affection; obedience
comes from fear. When young people follow orders without thinking, they
lose their individuality and intelligence.
Respect allows space for discussion and disagreement. A respectful
person listens but also questions, while an obedient person merely
accepts. True learning happens through dialogue, not domination.
In families and schools, blind obedience is often mistaken for good
behaviour. But it kills creativity and prevents moral growth.
Krishnamurti encourages students to think independently and discover
truth themselves.
Thus, respecting elders should mean valuing their wisdom, not
surrendering judgment. Freedom and respect can exist together only when
both sides allow openness and understanding.
Appreciation
1. Both the texts are on ‘freedom’. Comment on the difference in the
style of treatment of the topic in them.
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
Shaw and Krishnamurti both discuss freedom, but in very different ways.
Shaw uses social and political reasoning, filled with irony and wit. He
attacks false ideas of liberty in modern governments and economies. His
language is sharp, logical, and full of examples that expose
hypocrisy.
Krishnamurti, in contrast, treats freedom as a spiritual and mental
condition. He writes in a calm, reflective tone. His focus is inward —
freeing the mind from fear, imitation, and social conditioning. While
Shaw deals with external freedom limited by systems, Krishnamurti
explores internal freedom limited by thought and discipline.
Together, the two writers present a complete view: Shaw demands
social awareness, and Krishnamurti demands
self-awareness. Their styles — one humorous and critical, the
other meditative and sincere — balance each other beautifully.
2. When Shaw makes a statement he supports it with a number of
examples. Identify two sections in the text which explain a statement
with examples. Write down the main statement and the examples. Notice
how this contributes to the effectiveness of the writing.
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
One clear example is when Shaw states,
“From our earliest years we are taught that our country is the land
of the free.”
He supports it with several historical examples — Magna Carta, the
Spanish Armada, the American Declaration of Independence, and the Battle
of Waterloo. These examples show how societies glorify events as symbols
of freedom, while actual oppression continues.
Another instance is his statement that
“Nature is kind to her slaves.” Shaw contrasts it with examples
of human cruelty — wage slavery, trade unions, and class wars — proving
how natural dependence brings joy but human control brings misery.
These examples make his argument vivid and memorable. Instead of
abstract ideas, readers see freedom’s false image through real-life
illustrations. The use of history and humour together strengthens his
message and keeps the tone lively yet powerful.
3. Notice the use of personal pronouns in the two texts. Did this
make you identify yourself more with the topic than if it had been
written in an impersonal style? As you read the texts, were you able
to relate the writer’s thoughts with the way you lead your own
life?
(Long Answer – 160–180 words)
Yes, the personal pronouns in both essays make them more engaging and
relatable. Shaw uses “you” and “we” to directly address readers,
creating a conversational and persuasive tone. It feels as if he is
talking to each reader individually, challenging them to rethink their
idea of freedom.
Krishnamurti also uses “you” and “we,” but in a gentle and reflective
way. His tone invites readers to look within themselves, not merely to
agree or disagree. This personal style encourages introspection —
readers begin to see their own fears, habits, and patterns.
An impersonal essay might have sounded distant or academic. But this
personal approach draws readers into the discussion. It helps them
realise that freedom is not just a political or philosophical subject —
it is part of their daily lives and choices.
