Was H.G. Wells a Psychopath? Debunking the Myth

It is a common suggestion, often made in passing or in academic circles, that H.G. Wells might have exhibited psychopathic traits. However, this claim is primarily based on a flawed premise and a lack of understanding of both Wells's works and his personal life. Wells was a prolific writer who often dealt with archetypal and "everyman" characters in his novels, a choice made intentionally rather than a reflection of his supposed psychological flaws.

Wells's Motivation and Life Circumstances

One of the most significant periods of Wells's productivity came at the turn of the century, a time when he believed he was facing a terminal illness. Frustratingly for him, this belief turned out to be incorrect, as he lived well into his eighties, adding further depth to his literary production and his ability to support many family members and friends financially in his later years. This behavior does not align with psychopathic traits, which often involve a lack of empathy and a disregard for others.

Self-Reference in Literature and Autobiography

Wells wrote at length about himself in both his autobiography and his opinion-journalism pieces. It is impossible to avoid self-reference when engaging in such extensive personal writings. The frequent mentions of himself in his books, however, could be seen as a form of self-effacement rather than a reflection of his own pathology. For example, both The History of Mr Polly and Kipps are novels that, while not delving deeply into psychological complexity, do show a nuanced understanding of character and emotions.

Key Works and Characterisation

Wells's works, such as The History of Mr Polly and Kipps, are known for their strong characterisations and evident empathy. The suggestion that he exhibited weak characterisation or a lack of empathy is refuted by these novels, which demonstrate a well-developed sense of reality and human nature. Furthermore, while Wells did have a well-developed sense of his own importance, which is evident in his behavior toward women, such characteristics do not align with the complex definition of a psychopath.

The Misuse of the Term "Psychopath"

The alleged psychopathic behavior attributed to Wells is likely a result of the current tendency to misuse the term "psychopath." This term is often applied arbitrarily, far beyond its actual clinical definition, leading to exaggerated claims that lack substantive evidence. It is essential to use such terms judiciously and avoid overusing them to avoid misunderstanding and misrepresentation.

Conclusion: Irrelevance of Personal Life

While the question of H.G. Wells's personal behavior remains a matter of historical and psychological interest, it is questionable whether such an inquiry is valuable in the context of his enduring literary contributions. Unlike his works, his personal life is largely irrelevant to the study of his lasting impact on literature and science fiction. In the grand scheme of things, it is the quality and influence of his writings that should be the focus of scholarly and literary discussion.

Keywords: H.G. Wells, psychopath, characterisation, empathy, autobiography