“We’re only different from the bacteria because we are able to ask what the hell this is all about. Not answer, just ask.”
Carolyn Ives
“We’re only different from the bacteria because we are able to ask what the hell this is all about. Not answer, just ask.”
Carolyn Ives
Carolyn Ives Gilman, born on July 13, 1954, is an acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author who explores profound existential questions in her works. In the 2018 short story "Umbernight," she presents a thought-provoking reflection on the human condition through the quote, "We’re only different from the bacteria because we are able to ask what the hell this is all about. Not answer, just ask."
This quote succinctly captures the essence of human existence as a quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. By comparing humans to bacteria, Gilman emphasizes the fundamental biological nature of all life. Bacteria, simple organisms, live and thrive without the burden of self-awareness or the need to seek purpose. Humans, despite our complexity, are still biological entities, but we possess consciousness—the ability to question our existence.
The phrase "Not answer, just ask" highlights the limitations of human knowledge and understanding. While humans have developed sophisticated tools, technologies, and philosophies to explore the universe, the ultimate questions—about the purpose of life, the nature of reality, and our place in the cosmos—often remain unanswered. This perpetual search for meaning is a defining characteristic of humanity, setting us apart from other life forms, yet it also underscores our existential plight. We are aware enough to ask profound questions but often lack the capacity to find definitive answers.
Gilman's choice of language conveys a sense of frustration and humility. The phrase "what the hell this is all about" suggests a deep-seated bewilderment and possibly a hint of despair in the face of life's mysteries. It reflects the human tendency to seek meaning in a chaotic and often incomprehensible world.
In "Umbernight," and through this quote, Gilman invites readers to contemplate the nature of human existence. She acknowledges that while we may never find all the answers, the act of questioning itself is a crucial aspect of what it means to be human. This ongoing search for understanding, even without clear answers, is both a burden and a privilege that distinguishes us from the simplest forms of life.