“…it takes time to understand humans because they do not understand themselves”
“The Humans” tells a story about an unknown alien (who is later introduced as someone who came from a place called Vonnadoria). With no name, he is sent to the earth to disguise the identity of Professor Andrew Martin—a distinguished mathematician at the University of Cambridge–in order to carry out some sort of mission.
Nearly half of the book shows the alien’s first impression and perspective about our earth, covering its people as well as all the rules, policy, and norms here.
Reading the earth’s condition from such a different perspective proves to be fascinating. Things that we usually do simply because it looks like “should be that way”, told from a completely different point of view; this prompts the readers to question whether we truly need to behave or act the way we do.
For example, when the alien encounters the concept of magazines, he describes them as something that instills a sense of inferiority in readers—making them feel a need to buy something, only to feel even worse after the purchase, which then drives them to buy another magazine to see what they should buy next.
Magazines may not be as popular today as they once were, but I’m convinced that social media exerts an even greater influence on our mental state and behaviours.
Another topic of discussion is clothing: why do we need to wear them in the first place? It’s merely a piece of fabric, the alien questioning. He himself arrived on Earth naked. People naturally deemed him crazy because he was wandering without a stitch of clothing. Especially since he was roaming a city where Professor Andrew Martin was widely known as an educated man teaching at a prestigious institution.
This alien hails from a place where pure mathematics forms the foundation of almost everything. At times, the narrative style is fascinating yet simultaneously devoid of feeling like: "…she studied me as if I were the cube root of 912,673 and was trying to solve me."
“Feelings” were something quite alien to him; that’s why he needed more time to carry out the mission that was given to him. Or perhaps, more accurately, he was the one stalling for time.
Back where he came from, humans were viewed as greedy, violence-prone creatures. They had taken the only planet accessible to them and set it on a path toward destruction, developing technology at a pace that far outstripped the evolution of the human psyche.
Yet, over time, the alien who disguised as Professor Andrew Martin starts questioning the truth. He experienced human emotions firsthand–he learned that pain, sorrow, and fear are also important parts of being a human. He began to understand why humans were imperfect, yet also saw a great hope to be found within those very imperfections.
Ultimately, he also reflects on something remarkable about humans: their ability to pave the way for other species to alter their fundamental nature—much like how dogs harbor no nostalgia for the wolves from which they descended.
While his place of origin constantly reminds him of the mission for which he was sent to Earth, the alien feels that “…it takes time to understand humans because they do not understand themselves” ;in order to build a civilization, they have had to shut the door on their true selves.
I really enjoyed reading this book but there are a few things that make no sense in my opinion. For example, starting the story with the alien posing as Professor Andrew Martin and wandering around naked is extreme enough to warrant a discussion about his mental state based on human standards.
But another thing that makes the story even stranger is that the alien knows nothing about Professor Andrew Martin’s life, leading him to frequently ask people who know the professor questions like, "What am I like?" or "what important thing did I say to you back then?"
Yet, somehow, even his wife doesn't find this odd. There are moments when she appears confused or suspicious, but these instances simply pass without consequence. In my opinion, this aspect wasn't conveyed effectively; after all, how could a normal person justify forgetting so much about themselves with a simple excuse like, "My mind is a bit scattered"?
However, it was such a fast read for me. So, at least I enjoyed it. How's your reading this week?