On religion
Wells’ has been described an atheist; however, he wrote that he did believe that something existed but he was uncertain as to what. He rejected traditional concepts of religion; yet, in The Open Conspiracy he allows a place for religion in society. It is likely that Wells, as a believer in social evolution saw religion as being too big a beast to slay at the time; taking it on at would only hinder the process of elevation to the next level. Once a certain level was attained in the future, religion would eventually be replaced by reason through a natural process of enlightenment and fade away.
On Social engineering
Wells predicted In his 1933, "The Shape of Things to Come" that a new field of inquiry, which he termed Social Psychology, would arise and become the "soul of the race" by developing social control techniques which would systematically re-train the masses. After WW II, the core of British and American psychological warfare leadership created such a field to pursue worldwide social engineering.
On fascism
Wells sought for a change-agent to implement his “Open Conspiracy” and traveled to Germany, Russia, and the USA meeting with Hitler, Stalin and Roosevelt to find such an agent.After failing to find one he was approached by native British fascist, Oswald Moseley who offered his movement. Wells rejected the offer by pointing out that, "what we need is some more liberal fascists."
He believed the US to be the most suitable to big about the revolution and although both the communist and fascist movements evinced some of the desired qualities of his vanguard, even so, it was fascism rather than communism which came closest to Wells' ideal.
Is this someone's dissertation? Is there a theme that I missed?
This is impossible since true religion works in tandem with reason and vive versa. Cannot have one without the other.
This was the whole point of the Pope's speech the other day. (I'm a christian who is definitely not a Catholic but I did like that speech!)
Aside from Wells' science fiction, my only exposure to Wells has been his "Outline of History" that is a good book for an overview of history.
bump for later
Orwell was a much clearer thinker than Wells.
Good post.