First and Last Things
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Philosophy, Literature |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Founder | H. G. Wells |
First and Last Things is a philosophical text authored by H. G. Wells in 1908, structured into four parts: "Metaphysics," "Of Belief," "Of General Conduct," and "Some Personal Things." Excerpts were initially published in the Independent Magazine during mid-1908. Wells undertook significant revisions in 1917 following a spiritual transformation, and once more in 1929, reinstating much of the original material. The work integrates ideas from Darwinism, German philosophers such as August Weismann, and the pragmatist philosophy of William James, who was a personal acquaintance of Wells.
Summary
The opening section emphasizes Wells's sceptical stance: he argues that neither sensory perception nor intellectual reasoning can be fully trusted, stating that "The world of fact is not what it appears to be."[1] He explains that beliefs are not held as absolute truths but rather chosen because they function effectively for him, fulfilling a desire for coherence and aesthetic satisfaction.[2]
In the second section, focusing on his "essential beliefs," Wells describes his "most comprehensive belief" as a deliberate act of will that unifies the external world, inner experience, and self into a single universe where every element holds significance.[3] He intentionally avoids using the word "God" to prevent misinterpretation.[4] Upholding the concept of free will, he identifies the central question as "'What am I to do?'"[5] He adopts a guiding principle centered on humanity’s developing unity despite persistent divisions among individuals and nations.[6] This unity is regarded as a biological reality progressing toward what he terms "Power and Beauty," concepts he approaches with a mystical perspective.[7] He dismisses the notion of individual immortality and criticizes Christianity for its absence of faith in a divine intermediary,[8] while considering all religions to contain partial truths alongside falsehoods.[9]
The third section—comprising more than half the book—sets forth his "rule of life," which includes a commitment to Socialism as a significant social movement consistent with his vision of human destiny.[10] He rejects universal concepts such as "rights" and "justice," asserting that "There is no equity in the universe."[11] This part references his previous writings on strategies for social reform and advises adherence to existing customs and legal frameworks regardless of personal opinions.[12] It also includes anticipatory insights on modern warfare alongside progressive attitudes toward women, sexuality, and marriage that challenged Edwardian norms.
In the concluding section, Wells shares frank personal insights concerning love, mortality, and existence. He characterizes "passionate love" as the most profound experience in life that dissolves individual boundaries.[13] The volume ends with his definitive affirmation: "In the ultimate I know... that everything is right and all things mine."[14]
Background
First and Last Things was composed during a challenging phase in Wells's personal life. His partner, Amber Reeves, an accomplished philosophy scholar at University of Cambridge's Newnham College and the muse behind Ann Veronica, gave birth to his daughter in 1909. Certain sections of the work incorporate Reeves's criticisms; she is identified as a "friend" and explicitly mentioned concerning syllogistic reasoning.
The book's inception traces back to a reading and discussion circle associated with the Young Fabians and the Oxford socialist movement, groups that included Reeves as a participant. In 1907, Wells was invited to present three lectures to this assembly, subsequently developing his lecture notes into what became First and Last Things.
Reception
At the time of its release, First and Last Things received only a handful of reviews.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, I, §4.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, I, §11; emphasis in original.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §1.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §2.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §5.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §8.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §§9-10.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §13.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §14.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, III, §2.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §23.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, II, §29.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, IV, §2.
- ↑ H.G. Wells, First and Last Things, IV, §6.