James Carlson #3: The Space Trilogy

After reading Lewis’s novel, Out of the Silent Planet, the first book in Lewis’s Space Trilogy, I found myself conflicted with what seemed to be a fundamental theme of the book, the preservation of the human species versus the preservation of nature. Toward the end of the novel, a scientist named Weston confronts a disembodied spirit/god named Oyarsa on the planet of Malacandra over the issue of the preservation of the human species and the need to invade other planets for the sake of resources. While Weston argues that the need to protect the future of humanity trumps any other cause or purpose, Oyarsa questions whether or not Weston’s goal is in accordance with the natural order and the will of Maleldil, God of the Universe. Oyarsa criticizes Weston’s thought process behind this goal to preserve humanity because he seems not to question the morality of the cause. While I agree that the aspiration for the preservation of humanity at all cost is, in fact, illogical and immoral I do not believe that is enough reason to dissuade humanity against exploring the universe and colonizing other planets. The Human species should attempt to defend and preserve peaceful intelligent alien life, or hnau as described by Oyarsa, when and if it is encounter in our expedition into the stars.