Andrew Undershaft and Major Barbara are characters from George Bernard Shaw's play "Major

Barbara," and they represent contrasting viewpoints on the improvement of humanity.

1. Andrew Undershaft:
 Undershaft is a wealthy industrialist who believes in the power of money and industry
to shape society.

 His commitment to the improvement of humanity is primarily through economic and

industrial progress. He sees the accumulation of wealth and power as essential for
societal advancement.

 Undershaft's philosophy is centered on the idea that the ends justify the means. He is
willing to engage in morally dubious activities, such as manufacturing weapons, if it
serves his greater goal of societal improvement through industrialization and economic
prosperity.

 He believes that poverty is the root of all evil and that the best way to eradicate it is
through the creation of jobs and wealth.

Andrew Undershaft's Commitment:

Economic and Industrial Progress: Undershaft's primary focus is on economic and industrial
advancement as the key drivers of societal improvement. He believes that through the growth of
industries and the creation of wealth, society can progress and alleviate its problems, particularly
poverty.

Ends Justify the Means: Undershaft is willing to engage in morally questionable activities, such as
manufacturing weapons if it serves his greater goal of societal advancement. He sees these actions as
justified if they contribute to overall economic growth and the betterment of society in the long run.

Emphasis on Material Wealth: Undershaft places a significant emphasis on material wealth and
power as the means to achieve his vision of societal improvement. He believes that by accumulating
wealth and influence, he can have a greater impact on shaping the world for the better.

1. Major Barbara:
 Major Barbara is Andrew Undershaft's daughter, but she has chosen a different path
from her father. She is a Salvation Army officer committed to social reform through
charitable work and moral upliftment.

 Barbara's commitment to the improvement of humanity is driven by her belief in the

power of compassion, altruism, and spiritual values.

 She rejects the notion that wealth and power are the ultimate solutions to society's
problems. Instead, she advocates for helping the poor and disadvantaged through direct
assistance and moral guidance.
  Barbara sees poverty not just as an economic issue but also as a moral and spiritual one.
She believes that addressing the root causes of poverty requires a focus on ethical
principles and the upliftment of human dignity.

Major Barbara's Commitment:

Compassion and Altruism: Barbara's commitment is rooted in compassion and altruism. She
believes in the importance of directly helping those in need and providing them with support, both
materially and emotionally. Her focus is on alleviating suffering and improving the lives of individuals on
a personal level.

Moral and Spiritual Values: Barbara places a strong emphasis on moral and spiritual values as
guiding principles for societal improvement. She believes that addressing issues such as poverty requires
not only economic assistance but also a focus on ethical conduct and spiritual upliftment.

Rejecting Materialism: Unlike her father, Barbara rejects the idea that material wealth and power
are the ultimate solutions to society's problems. Instead, she advocates for a more holistic approach
that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and communities over economic growth.

In summary, Andrew Undershaft's commitment to the improvement of humanity is rooted in economic

and industrial progress, while Major Barbara's commitment is based on moral and spiritual values,
emphasizing compassion and altruism. Their differing ideologies serve as the central conflict in Shaw's
play, exploring the complex interplay between wealth, morality, and societal progress.