# II: Digressions of the Third Men explained — Last and First Men

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

## What happens

This chapter explores the various cultural and intellectual digressions of the Third Men, a species that repeatedly pursued biological creativity and sadism. It details several non-industrial civilizations, including a musical culture that became a religious tyranny, and other cultures obsessed with flight, metabolism, and eugenics. The chapter highlights the Third Men's tendency to be led astray by their own interests, ultimately leading to their downfall and the rise of a new form.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual and Philosophical Aspiration

The musical religion of the Third Men exemplifies a spiritual quest for immortality and meaning through art, leading to a theocratic society.

### Society and Collective Identity

The chapter explores how societies of the Third Men are shaped by collective obsessions, such as music or eugenics, and how these shape their identity and downfall.

### Suffering and Redemption

The prophet's suffering and madness, and the eventual disillusionment of the race, reflect themes of suffering and the search for redemption.

## Character check-ins

### The Third Men

The central species of this chapter, characterized by their biological interests and susceptibility to cultural digressions.

### The First Men

Referenced as a comparison, particularly their obsession with mechanical contrivances and industrialism.

### The Prophet

A musician who founded the musical religion, later driven to madness and used as an oracle.

### The Supreme Melody

The monarch who converted to the musical faith and became the ruler of the Holy Empire of Music.

## Key lines

> Again and again, then, at intervals of a few thousand or a few hundred thousand years, man’s whim was imposed upon the fauna and flora of the earth, and at length directed to the task of remaking man himself.

Repeatedly, over vast spans of time, the Third Men's capricious desires shaped the natural world and eventually turned to altering their own species.

_Highlights the recurring theme of biological manipulation._

> The doctrine, and the impassioned melodies of the prophet, spread like fire.

The prophet's teachings and music spread rapidly and fervently, igniting a movement.

_Describes the explosive growth of the musical religion._

> Its root was madness; but its final expression was intricate common sense, decorated with harmless and precious flowers of folly.

The religion began with insanity but evolved into a practical system, albeit with absurd embellishments.

_Reflects on the paradoxical nature of the musical theocracy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters/ii-digressions-of-the-third-men
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters