The Salvaging of Civilization

Herbert George "H. G." Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946)was an English writer, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a rolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing textbooks and rules for war games.Excerpt-The present outlook of human affairs is one that admits of broad generalizations and that seems to require broad generalizations. We are in one of those phases of experience which become cardinal in history. A series of immense and tragic events have shattered the self-complacency and challenged the will and intelligence of mankind. That easy general forward movement of human affairs which for several generations had seemed to justify the persuasion of a necessary and invincible progress, progress towards greater powers, greater happiness, and a continual enlargement of life, has been checked violently and perhaps arrested altogether.