| Xen: Ancient English Edition by D. J. Solomon |
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A perfect world, Utopia, has been the dream of mankind since the first conflicts began. In
fact, many stories have been written telling us of the splendor and joy that comes from
living in a perfect world. Yet all of this begs the question: how do we get there? D. J.
Solomon tells us in "Xen: Ancient English Translation" that the perfect world may not be
impossible to achieve, but it would be impossible for humanity as we know it to exist
there. Therefore humanity must strive for something different: individual perfection and
respect for the whole world.
Solomon presents a perfect human race as impossible. While the future in the novel is
perfect, the people living there are not humans. Pawkey Seneschal, the scientist, altered
human genetics in a way that we currently do not have the means to do, and that would
raise moral objection from much of society if it were possible. These inhabitants of Earth
are a separate race, a race that has a perfect and uniform reasoning; is free of disease,
discomfort, and mental illness; and desires nothing. Even if without genetic alterations we
could create a uniform, reasonable world by removing the unreasonable population,
disease, metal illness, and discomfort are parts of human existence that cannot be
reasoned away. But set aside all of these obstacles and stretch your imagination,
perfection seems possible. But what is the cost?
In the book, the pandemic plague that swept the earth to rid the population of those
deemed by Seneschal to be unreasonable or stupid can be reasoned as the only way to
make a clean slate of the earth for the new species to evolve on. However, at the end of
the story the sorrow that the inhabitants of earth feel for the death of their predecessors
is obvious. If reason has made them accept less intelligent and less progressive species
on other planets, would it not also make them accept their imperfect predecessors? It is
a fact, that the process which made the world fit for them to live in and made them
perfect is repulsive to their reasonable nature that respects all life forms.
In the perfect world, there is no need to strive forward; what could they strive for beyond
perfection? They continue to explore beyond their planet because they need the
"imperfect" feeling of sadness to contrast their existence to. If they were not born
"reasonably reasonable" they would find this shallow existence unbearable. Every one of
these people would probably have gone mad if their genetics allowed for it at all. The
emotional range that these people are capable of is limited because their perfection
does not allow for irrational thoughts or emotions. All of these flaws of emotion, or lack
there of, seem to create paradoxes of perfection in the world created by Solomon and
draw a further question: "Should mankind be perfect?"
Through his book, Solomon is calling mankind not to perfection, but improvement. While
we may not be able to create a race that is entirely reasonable, we can seek for better
reasoning in the world we have. Our world today is one that values exclusivity over
acceptance. Racism, sexism, objectifying women, war, religious crusades, and torture
are all expounded upon in the novel, and are all born from exclusive thinking. Because
such thinking is rewarded, the selfish nature of humans increases everyday. War,
torture, consumerism, and addiction are rationalized by our society because they please
us. Advertisement reinforces our selfish desires. Even throughout the story we hear that
the water was "carbonated and sweet, but not fattening (of course)" just as the
advertisements of today assure us that we can glutton our selves on diet soda because
they are "not fattening (of course)." "Xen" shows that the opposite of that mentality,
self-less living and thinking of the complete impact that our actions have, is needed for
our world to make progress on any level.
While his actions may not be viewed as humane by readers, Seneschal's work was done
because of his hope for the whole world, not just his own desires. This and other
examples in the story are not meant to say that extreme action is the only way to change
the world. The resources that we battle for every day are shared with ease and
considered for their true value in the story. Fewer children are born, but are raised well.
Certain professions are not valued more than others; everyone is appreciated for the
important work they contribute to society in their own area. While it is more enticing to
look at the long life span of the members of this new society, and say that Solomon is
telling us that finding a way to extend our lifetimes will make the world perfect, Solomon is
really calling us to practical, achievable changes.
Resource conservation and fair distribution is certainly an achievable step towards
improving world relations. Working to improve the basic standard living around the world
for all human beings and to control the rapid expanse of the population can be achieved
through better allocation of resources and funds. The skills of laborers in the field should
not be considered worth less than the owners of giant corporations. If the voice of the
majority should be ruling our government, then the minute group of people who run the
monster companies should not have the largest say in the way this country works.
Solomon is calling each of his readers to make, take a stand to strive for changes that
can be achieved in the imperfect world we live in.
With Seneschal as an example, Solomon tells us that one person can revolutionize the
entire race. We do not need to wipe out a species, or genetically alter our race as he
did. In fact, it is the much smaller parts of Seneschal that helped revolutionize the world.
Even though he was a man who had racist and sexist thoughts, he was not a racist or a
sexist. He was a man that did not discriminate on features that could not be helped, but
rather on the ones which came from sloth, indifference, and irrational hate. That is not to
say that Solomon created Seneschal, or any other character of his story to be a perfect
example of humanity or a perfect plan for our future. The flaws of the characters and
utopia presented in "Xen" show us that Solomon does not think perfection is possible,
but he does believe we are capable of better.
Seneschal's solution for forming the future world was simple: one event that
revolutionized earth and created the perfect civilization. Humans, however, are complex,
malfunctioning, and imperfect; and yet, we are capable of amazing feats. Spoken
language and permanent settlements are relatively new in the history of man, and the
future holds a vast expanse for the improvement of the world. Our imperfections give
humanity the chance to be creative and inquisitive. They also give us the chance to
make mistakes and find solutions. "Xen" is not a plan for perfection; it is not just a call to
improvement. It is a message of hope for the possibilities of mankind.
| Margaret Elaine Koenig Bonesteel-Fairfax School District Bonesteel, SD "The Theme of Perfection in XEN" |
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| Second Place $400.00 Scholarship 2007 |
