Last and First Men · Chapter
II: The Origins of a Mystery explained
An international society of scientists meets in England to witness a young Chinese physicist's demonstration of a weapon that can annihilate matter.
What happens
An international society of scientists meets in England to witness a young Chinese physicist's demonstration of a weapon that can annihilate matter. The weapon is tested on Lundy Island, destroying it. The scientists debate the weapon's use, with the Frenchman arguing against it, the German for it. Ultimately, they vote to destroy the weapon, but when an American air fleet approaches, the young physicist uses it to destroy the fleet. He then burns his instrument and manuscript and kills himself, fearing his knowledge is too dangerous for humanity.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Its Dangers
The chapter centers on the invention of a super-weapon and the debate over its use, highlighting the immense destructive power of technology and the potential for it to be misused.
The Limits of Knowledge
The scientists acknowledge that humanity is not ready for such power, and the inventor ultimately decides that his knowledge must die with him, suggesting that some knowledge is too dangerous for the current stage of human development.
Society and Collective Identity
The chapter explores the tension between national loyalties and a cosmopolitan scientific community, as the scientists must decide whether to use the weapon against their own countries.
Characters to notice
- The Mongol
A young Chinese physicist who invents a weapon of mass destruction, demonstrates it, and then destroys it and himself.
- The Frenchman
An aged French psychologist who argues against the weapon, warning of its dangers and the immaturity of humanity.
- The German
A German anthropologist who argues for the weapon, envisioning a world organized under science.
- The Englishman
An English physicist who mutters an archaism and later urges the Mongol to use the weapon against the American fleet.
- The American
The representative of the United States who pleads for the weapon to be used to stop his own countrymen.
- The Chinese
The Chinese scientists are mentioned as being respected by the meeting, and the young physicist is one of them.
Key passages
“No doubt we are the intelligence of the planet; and because of our consecration to our calling, no doubt we are comparatively honest. But alas, even we are human. We make little mistakes now and then, and commit little indiscretions. The possession of such power as is offered us would not bring peace.”
The Frenchman argues that even scientists are fallible and that possessing such power would lead to conflict, not peace.
This captures the central argument against the weapon.
“With my secret alive in me, I must not live. Some day a more worthy race will rediscover it, but today I am a danger to the planet. And so I, who have foolishly ignored that I live among savages, help myself now by the ancient wisdom to pass hence.”
The inventor chooses to die rather than risk his knowledge being used by what he considers a barbaric humanity.
This highlights the theme of the limits of knowledge and the responsibility of the inventor.