Subjected to evolutionary pressures we can only have nightmares about, they've reached heights we can only dream of.Ī relevant passage for the above two points can be found in the Notes and References at the end of the novel: Technology Implies Belligerence, at least against nature. The Scramblers clearly evolved in a much harsher environment than we did, and that's why they're so much more advanced. It's unaware that it possesses all these things, but "acts" (more accurately, appears to act) on them nonetheless. The argument that our consciousness allows us to experiment in ways that an unconscious being couldn't is, I think, false, because an unconscious organism doesn't necessarily lack (the behavioral cognates of) an understanding of the rules of the universe, initiative, curiosity, motivation to improve its own fitness, etc. Consciousness is no advantage, because "unconscious, automatic complexity" can do everything we can - exhibit the same behaviors, develop the same innovations, etc, through experimentation (/mutation), and competition. I study neuroscience, so this book actually illuminated and helped me articulate my evolving understanding of the human mind. The central thesis, that consciousness and sentience are overrated at best and counterproductive at worst, fascinated me. Every re-read gives me some new layer of meaning or fresh insight into the world of the story. The most recent re-read was yesterday, so it's still fresh in my mind. I know many of you will have read this book, and I'd like to hear other opinions, commentary on the world of the novel, speculation, criticism, whatever.
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