In H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," a compelling dialogue unfolds between the Time Traveller and Filby, highlighting the clash between reason and imagination. Filby, representing conventional thinking, argues that time travel defies rationality. His insistence on adhering to established beliefs demonstrates skepticism towards the extraordinary possibilities of science and exploration.

Conversely, the Time Traveller embodies curiosity and a willingness to challenge the limits of understanding. His provocative question, "What reason?" suggests that strict adherence to reason can impede innovation. This conversation encapsulates the novel's central theme: the tension between rational thought and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that defy current knowledge.