Last and First Men · Chapter
IV: Cosmology explained
The Last Men reflect on the cosmos as a finite yet boundless order of events, contemplating the cyclic nature of time, the inevitability of the cosmic End, and the possibility of a supreme awakening that would gather all spirits into eterna
What happens
The Last Men reflect on the cosmos as a finite yet boundless order of events, contemplating the cyclic nature of time, the inevitability of the cosmic End, and the possibility of a supreme awakening that would gather all spirits into eternal beatitude. They confront the tragedy of countless suffering beings and the uncertainty of whether the cosmic ideal will ever be fulfilled, while maintaining a stance of ecstatic acceptance toward fate.
Themes in this chapter
Cosmic Indifference and Meaning
The chapter explores the indifference of the cosmos to suffering and the search for meaning in the face of inevitable extinction, questioning whether the cosmic ideal will ever be fulfilled.
Immortality and Death
Discusses the eternal being of events and the possibility of a supreme awakening that grants eternal beatitude to all spirits, contrasting with the temporal reality of death and extinction.
Characters to notice
- The Last Men
The narrators of this chapter, who contemplate the cosmos and their own impending extinction with equanimity and admiration for fate.
- The Sixteenth Men
Mentioned as predecessors who undertook a forlorn crusade to rescue the tragic past, an enterprise now seen as desperate but not fantastic.
- The Martians
Referenced as one of the suffering intelligent species, 'insanely and miserably obsessed'.
- The Venerians
Mentioned as native beings imprisoned in their ocean and murdered for man's sake.
Key passages
“But now we know that disaster is already near at hand. When we are in full possession of our faculties, we are not distressed by this fate.”
We now realize that our end is imminent, yet we do not feel troubled because we understand the eternal value of our achievements.
The Last Men accept their impending doom with equanimity.
“For we know that though our fair community must cease, it has also indestructible being.”
Even though our civilization will end, its beauty and achievements will persist eternally.
The idea that temporal events have eternal significance.
“We cannot tell which of these possibilities is fact. As individuals we earnestly desire that the eternal being of things may include this supreme awakening.”
We do not know whether the cosmic ideal will be realized, but we hope that it will, for that would grant eternal bliss to all suffering spirits.
The uncertainty about the ultimate fate of the cosmos and the desire for a redemptive awakening.