Fabian, << FAY bee uhn, >> Society is a group of British socialists. The society was founded in 1884. It was named for Quintus Fabius Maximus, a Roman general who avoided defeat by refusing to fight any decisive battles against Hannibal. The Fabians teach that socialism can be achieved gradually, through a series of reforms (see Socialism ). They differ from the Communists, who believe that the people can gain ownership of the means of production only through revolution. Noted Fabians have included George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, and Sidney and Beatrice Webb. Fabian ideas became the basis of the British Labour Party (see Labour Party ). Today, the society sponsors and publishes research on political and social issues.
