Common purpose Quote by H.G. Wells
““The rest of history for three and twenty centuries is threaded with the spreading out and development and interaction and the clearer and more effective statement of these main leading ideas. Slowly more and more men apprehend the reality of human brotherhood, the needlessness of wars and cruelties and oppression, the possibilities of a common purpose for the whole of our kind. In every generation thereafter there is the evidence of men seeking for that better order to which they feel our world must come. But everywhere and wherever in any man the great constructive ideas have taken hold, the hot greeds, the jealousies, the suspicions and impatience that are in the nature of every one of us, war against the struggle towards greater and broader purposes. The last twenty-three centuries of history are like the efforts of some impulsive, hasty immortal to think clearly and live rightly. Blunder follows blunder; promising beginnings end in grotesque disappointments; streams of living water are poisoned by the cup that conveys them to the thirsty lips of mankind. But the hope of men rises again at last after every disaster. .””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Humanity, 1901
Human history shows a pattern of growing empathy and cooperation despite recurring greed and conflict.
In simple terms: Humanity progresses toward unity despite setbacks.
Promote empathy and collaborative purpose.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions can individuals take to foster global brotherhood?
- How do we address entrenched greed?
Idealistic view may overlook deep‑rooted power structures.