H.G. Wells reflects on the immense capabilities of modern humans, emphasizing advancements in technology and intelligence that make us seem almost superhuman. He notes that we can achieve incredible feats, from traveling vast distances to exploring the universe. However, despite these advancements, our basic instincts and behaviors remain unchanged. We still exhibit primal traits such as aggression and fear, indicating a discord between our physical evolution and our emotional development.
This juxtaposition highlights a fundamental aspect of human nature: while we possess remarkable powers as a species, our underlying vulnerabilities and aggressive tendencies continue to surface. Wells suggests that beneath our evolved skills, we still resemble our ancestors, driven by basic instincts and emotional impulses. This internal conflict serves as both a commentary on the human condition and a warning about the potential consequences of our destructive behaviors in light of our newfound capabilities.