The day of democracy is past," he said. "Past for ever. That day began with the bowmen of Crecy, it ended when marching infantry, when common men in masses ceased to win the battles of the world, when costly cannon, great ironclads, and strategic railways became the means of power. To-day is the day of wealth. Wealth now is power as it never was power before-it commands earth and sea and sky. All power is for those who can handle wealth....
The quote from H.G. Wells' "When the Sleeper Wakes" reflects a significant shift in power dynamics over time. The speaker suggests that the age of democracy, which began with the rise of the bowmen at Crecy, has ended. It highlights how the traditional means of warfare, driven by common soldiers, have been replaced by advanced technology and wealth. This transformation signifies that power has transitioned from the masses to those who possess financial resources.
In this perspective, wealth has become the primary source of power in society, overshadowing the democratic ideals that once held sway. The ability to influence and control is now vested in the hands of the wealthy, who can deploy their resources to dominate various aspects of life, including politics and social structures. Thus, the voice of the ordinary citizen diminishes in favor of those who can leverage economic strength to command authority over land, sea, and air.
