H.G. Wells

Science fiction pioneer

Modern influential 59 sayings

Sayings by H.G. Wells

The cat, you know, is a perfect symbol of beauty and cruelty.

Uncertain — Attributed, though specific source is elusive, reflecting his often dark observations on nature.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true strength of a man is not in his muscles, but in his mind.

Uncertain — General theme in his writings, though hard to pinpoint an exact direct quote.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a journalist, not a prophet.

Early 20th Century — Often said in response to predictions about the future, downplaying his prophetic role.
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Humanity is a queer business.

Uncertain — General sentiment expressed in his more cynical moments.
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The world is not a place of peace, but a battleground.

Early 20th Century — Reflecting his views on human conflict and societal struggles.
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Life is a struggle, and the only way to win is to keep fighting.

Uncertain — A recurring theme in his more philosophical works.
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The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.

Early 20th Century — A foundational idea behind his works of scientific romance.
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Our true nationality is mankind.

1930s — From his later, more utopian and globalist writings.
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If we don't end war, war will end us.

1930s-1940s — A stark warning about the dangers of conflict, particularly post-WWI.
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The only difference between a madman and me is that I'm not mad.

Uncertain — A humorous, self-deprecating remark.
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There is no more evil in the world than in the human heart.

Uncertain — Reflecting his often pessimistic view of human nature.
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The mind of man is capable of anything, because it is capable of everything.

Uncertain — A statement on the boundless potential of human intellect.
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To cease to be an individual is to become a part of the greater whole.

Early 20th Century — From his more collectivist or utopian visions.
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The past is but the beginning of a beginning.

1902 — From 'The Discovery of the Future' (1902), emphasizing progress.
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It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.

Uncertain, early 20th century — Often misattributed to Darwin, but a paraphrase of Wells's interpretation of evolution.
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If you are in a hole, stop digging.

Uncertain — A piece of practical, if somewhat blunt, advice.
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The great tragedy of science – the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.

Uncertain — A pithy observation on the scientific method.
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Our world is a world of change, and the only way to survive is to adapt.

Early 20th Century — Echoing his views on evolution and societal progress.
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The greatest good for the greatest number.

Early 20th Century — A utilitarian principle he sometimes espoused in his social commentary.
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The human brain is an amazing thing. It works 24/7, 365 from birth until you fall in love.

Uncertain — A humorous, somewhat cynical observation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable