Individualist Quote by H.G. Wells
““He knew no future then, no kind of life except the life he led. He fled the cave-bear over the rocks full of iron ore and the promise of sword and spear; he froze to death upon a ledge of coal; he drank water muddy with the clay that would one day make cups of porcelain; he chewed the ear of wild wheat he had plucked and gazed with a dim speculation in his eyes at the birds that soared beyond his reach. Or suddenly he became aware of the scent of another male and rose up roaring, his roars the formless precursors of moral admonitions. For he was a great individualist, that original,””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, 1895
A primitive man lives only for immediate survival, unaware of future possibilities, illustrating raw individualism and the limits of perception.
In simple terms: Man focuses on present needs, missing future horizons.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how present concerns shape worldview.
Themes
individualism
survival
perception
history
human nature
Mood
reflective
somber
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
narrative
When to use this quote
- exploring new lands
- facing harsh environments
- making moral choices
- confronting unknown futures
Key Concepts
existentialism
anthropology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on the present limit personal growth?
- What role does community play in shaping future vision?
A Different Perspective
The quote romanticizes isolation and may ignore the value of community and foresight.
![“The thing [Henry James'] novel is about is always there. It is like a church lit but without a congregation to distract you, with every light and line focused on the high altar. And on the altar, very reverently placed, intensely there, is a dead kitten, an egg-shell, a bit of string.” quote by H.G. Wells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19f/h-g-wells-2-1299_books_the-thing-henry-james-novel-is-about-is_138893.jpg)
![“I'm glad [Ornette Coleman] is such an individualist. I like the firmness of thought and purpose that goes into what he's doing, even though I don't always like to listen to it. It's like living in a house where everything's painted red.” quote by Paul Desmond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd0/paul-desmond-29592_firmness_i-m-glad-ornette-coleman-is-such-an-indi_269489.jpg)
