We men are beat. We don’t know enough. We’ve got to learn before we’ve got a chance. And we’ve got to live and keep independent while we learn.
 H. G. Wells, The War of the Worlds (1898). copy citation

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Author H. G. Wells
Source The War of the Worlds
Topic learning chance
Date 1898
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/36/36-h/36-h.htm

Context

“And I don’t mean to be caught either, and tamed and fattened and bred like a thundering ox. Ugh! Fancy those brown creepers!” “You don’t mean to say——” “I do. I’m going on, under their feet. I’ve got it planned; I’ve thought it out. We men are beat. We don’t know enough. We’ve got to learn before we’ve got a chance. And we’ve got to live and keep independent while we learn. See! That’s what has to be done.” I stared, astonished, and stirred profoundly by the man’s resolution. “Great God!” cried I. “But you are a man indeed!” And suddenly I gripped his hand. “Eh!”” source