Nature never appeals to intelligence until habit and instinct are useless. There is no intelligence where there is no need of change.
H. G. WellsRead
But there are times when the little cloud spreads, until it obscures the sky. And those times I look around at my fellow men and I am reminded of some likeness of the beast-people, and I feel as though the animal is surging up in them. And I know they are neither wholly animal nor holy man, but an unstable combination of both.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the duality of human nature, suggesting that people have both beast-like instincts and noble traits.
H. G. Wells highlights the complexity of human nature, portraying individuals as not purely civilized or barbaric, but as a blend of both characteristics. The imagery of a 'little cloud' symbolizes the darker aspects that can emerge and obscure one's better nature, prompting a reflection on the primal instincts that lie beneath the surface of humanity.
Themes
Human NatureDualityInstinctsBeastManPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the complexities of human behavior, this quote illustrates the balance between our primal instincts and higher aspirations.
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Things that would have made fame of a less clever man seemed tricks in his hands. It is a mistake to do things too easily.
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The greatest task of democracy, its ritual and feast - is choice.
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