This summary was written by me for the monthly newsletter of futurizm.org and was published in August. You can access the publication link on this page. The original language is Turkish, and due to the length of the text, translation support was obtained from an AI tool, ChatGPT 4o.
A Glimpse Beyond Time: Journey from 1895 to the Year 802,701
This month, I want to introduce you to a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that you won’t be able to put down: The Time Machine by H.G. Wells.
This book is not just a story about time travel but also a powerful philosophical work that reflects the essence of the futurism movement. First published in 1895, The Time Machine offers profound insights into how humanity can shape the future using technology. By taking the reader to the year 802,701, Wells embodies the futurism movement’s central themes of challenging the past and tradition, while embracing speed, motion, and innovation. We can analyze this work through the following lenses:
The Meaning of Time Travel
The main character, the Time Traveller, embodies the desire to explore humanity’s future, which lies at the heart of the futurism movement. In a progressive discussion in London, the Time Traveller debates the concept that time could be a fourth dimension—an idea that reflects the philosophical underpinnings of futurism. This notion that time is not just a linear flow from past to future, but an expansive dimension similar to space, is the scientific and philosophical basis behind the Time Traveller’s machine. This idea allows the Time Traveller to embark on a journey into the distant future, opening up the doors to a fantastical world, while simultaneously providing a glimpse into where humanity might evolve.
One of the novel’s most striking moments is the Time Traveller’s journey to the year 802,701. In this distant future, humanity has split into two distinct species: the Eloi, who live on the surface, and the Morlocks, who dwell underground. The Eloi are peaceful and childlike but intellectually stagnant. The Morlocks, on the other hand, have taken over technological and industrial tasks, evolving into dangerous and savage creatures. This sharp contrast between the two species poses thought-provoking questions about how societies might evolve in the future.
The Two Faces of Technology
The Time Machine explores the impact of technology on humanity, addressing both the positive and negative aspects of futurism. Wells questions how technology can transform human life and what the consequences of that transformation might be. The division between the Eloi and Morlocks illustrates how technological advancement can lead to both prosperity and decay.
The intellectual decline of the Eloi demonstrates how technology can push humanity into complacency and laziness, while the savagery of the Morlocks symbolizes the dangers of unchecked technological growth. Through these two species, Wells critiques the role of technology in humanity’s evolution, shining a light on futurism’s cautious side—one that does not always view technology as a purely progressive force.
The Uncertainty of the Future
The Time Traveller ventures further into the future, where he witnesses the end of the Earth. This scene reflects futurism’s insatiable curiosity about the future and the uncertainties that come with it. In this desolate future, only jellyfish-like creatures and pools of water in craters remain as the Sun grows larger and the Earth slowly moves towards its demise. These scenes force us to reflect on the impermanence of humanity in the universe and the small role we play in the grand cosmic timeline.
While Wells paints a bleak picture of humanity’s future, the Time Traveller’s final observation serves as a warning that no matter how advanced technology and civilization become, they too will eventually meet an end. This reminder of the limits of progress ties into futurism’s vision of always striving for new possibilities but being mindful of the potential consequences.
Futurism’s View on Human Nature
While The Time Machine offers a deep exploration of human nature, the Time Traveller’s interactions with these two future species prompt a reflection on how the fundamental qualities of humanity might evolve. The novel supports futurism’s critique of human nature, questioning how the pursuit of innovation might lead us to forget our core essence, and how we might eventually face the consequences of this neglect.
In the novel, the Time Traveller is both fascinated by the possibilities technology offers and horrified by how it can corrupt human nature. This tension mirrors futurism’s exploration of the dynamic relationship between human nature and technology.
A Vision Beyond Time and Technology
The Time Machine, a personal favorite of mine, serves as an open manifesto of the futurism movement. It deeply investigates where technology and innovation might lead humanity, emphasizing both the opportunities and risks that lie ahead. As Wells vividly portrays a dystopian future, he also urges us to rethink and reshape the future. The novel is a masterpiece for anyone interested in exploring humanity’s spirit of innovation and the potential consequences of pushing the boundaries of that spirit.
