George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist. He was a co-founder of the London School of Economics and wrote more than 60 plays during his lifetime. He was the only person to win both a Nobel Prize in Literature and an Oscar. Shaw was a strong advocate for social reform and was a vocal critic of the British government. He was a passionate supporter of women's rights and was a major influence on the development of the modern welfare state. He was also a vegetarian and a strong believer in the power of education. His works are still widely read and performed today, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of writers and activists.