Back to Methuselah

In this thought-provoking late work, George Bernard Shaw delves into a myriad of contemporary issues through the lens of evolution, presenting his insights in five succinct plays set across vastly different historical epochs—from the Garden of Eden to the year 31,920 A.D. The central theme of this historical exploration posits that the future of humanity hinges on extending our lifespan to a remarkable 300 years, allowing us to truly mature. The characters in these plays wrestle with a pivotal question what will be the next significant leap in our evolution? While mere longevity enables this inquiry, the final play hints at possible answers—beginning with a quest for freedom from the societal constraints initiated by Cain, progressing towards anarchy, and ultimately moving beyond the limitations of our physical existence into the realm of immortality. The possibilities that lie beyond are left to our imagination. - Summary by Thomas A. Copeland