The World Set Free, published in 1914 by H.G. Wells, is a prophetic novel that foresees the emergence of nuclear weapons and explores the profound impact of energy and technological advancement on human progress. Opening with the assertion that humanity's history is defined by the quest for external power, Wells delves into the implications of harnessing energy from radioactive elements. This theme resonates today as society grapples with the consequences of technological innovation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding energy use.