Modern war, modern international hostility is, I believe, possible only through the stupid illiteracy of the mass of men and the conceit and intellectual indolence of rulers and those who feed the public mind.
H.G. Wells suggests that the prevalence of modern warfare and international tensions is fundamentally linked to widespread ignorance among the populace and a lack of intellectual engagement among leaders. He implies that a poorly informed society can lead to destructive outcomes, as it enables conflicts that could be avoided through better understanding and education.
Furthermore, Wells critiques rulers for their complacency and failure to challenge the prevailing misconceptions that shape public opinion. He advocates for a more enlightened approach to governance, where leaders actively seek to educate and uplift the masses, fostering a culture of critical thinking that could prevent future hostilities.