In "The Time Machine," H.G. Wells explores the complex relationship between humanity and progress through the character's reflections on civilization. The protagonist is filled with a sense of foreboding about the potential consequences of mankind's advancements. He believes that the very progress humanity celebrates could ultimately lead to its downfall, as civilization grows too unwieldy and disconnected from its roots.

This perspective suggests a critical view of technological and societal progress, implying that the more advanced society becomes, the more precarious its existence may become. Wells invites readers to contemplate the balance between advancement and sustainability, posing a warning about the future if humanity does not heed the lessons of its past.