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
So it was that the war in the air began. Men rode upon the whirlwind that night and slew and fell like archangels. The sky rained heroes upon the astonished earth. Surely the last fights of mankind were the best. What was the heavy pounding of your Homeric swordsmen, what was the creaking charge of chariots, besides this swift rush, this crash, this giddy triumph, this headlong sweep to death?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the bravery and heroism displayed in battle, comparing it to historical legends.
In this vivid description, H. G. Wells portrays the epic nature of aerial warfare, likening the brave pilots to legendary figures from ancient battles. The imagery of men riding upon the whirlwind conveys a sense of exhilaration and fearlessness, standing in stark contrast to historical combat methods, thus elevating modern struggles to a new, heroic level. It suggests that the courage required in battle transcends time, as the ultimate acts of valor are celebrated regardless of the era or technology involved.
Themes
WarHeroesBraveryAerial CombatCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech to commemorate veterans and highlight their bravery.
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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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