# Introduction to the Last Human Species explained — Last and First Men

> Chapter companion for Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon.

## What happens

The narrator introduces the Last Men, the final human species on Neptune, contrasting their physical and spiritual evolution with the First Men. The chapter describes their varied bodies, sub-sexes, and advanced culture, including their great architectural pylons, flight, and food production. It also recounts the return of an exploration ship whose crew was driven mad by the emptiness of space, highlighting the Last Men's unique relationship with the cosmos and their psychological dependence on communal sanity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humanity and the Other

The chapter explores the contrast between the First Men and the Last Men, and the psychological impact of the cosmos on those who venture into it.

### Cosmic Indifference and Meaning

The exploration ship's crew is driven mad by the emptiness of space, reflecting the theme of cosmic indifference and the human need for meaning.

### Technology and Its Dangers

The ether-ships and advanced technology enable space travel, but also expose the psychological dangers of confronting the void.

## Character check-ins

### The Last Men

The species described in detail, with their physical variations, sub-sexes, and spiritual culture.

### The First Men

The hypothetical visitor from the First Men, used to contrast the Last Men's evolution.

### The Fifth Men

Mentioned as the origin of the three minute organs on the outermost finger of the Last Men.

### The Ethereal Navigators

A unique class among the Last Men, hardy and simple, who spend much time in empty space.

## Key lines

> If one of the First Men could enter the world of the Last Men, he would find many things familiar and much that would seem strangely distorted and perverse.

A First Man visiting the Last Men would see a mix of the familiar and the bizarre.

_Sets up the contrast between the two species._

> These men that are beasts are surely gods also.

The Last Men appear both animalistic and divine.

_Highlights the interpenetration of animal and human in the Last Men._

> The aloof and changeless presence of the constellations seems to have crazed the voyagers.

The unchanging stars drove the space travelers insane.

_Illustrates the psychological impact of cosmic indifference._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters/i-introduction-to-the-last-human-species
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters