Elizabeth Bear (Sarah Bear Elizabeth Wishnevsky), born on September 22, 1971, is a celebrated American author known for her thought-provoking science fiction and fantasy works. Her 2020 novel Machine is a testament to her ability to blend futuristic settings with deeply human concerns.
"Why are we born needing impossible things? Why is it that we all have things we need to live that simply do not exist in the universe? A purpose in life. Unconditional love? Our emotional needs met? Ha."
Elizabeth Bear
This quote poignantly captures the existential dilemma that pervades not only Bear’s novel but also the human condition at large. The protagonist’s reflection on the "impossible things" we are born needing speaks to the deep-seated desires that drive human existence—desires that are, paradoxically, often unattainable.
The mention of "a purpose in life" taps into one of the most enduring philosophical questions: why are we here? For centuries, humanity has sought to find or create meaning in a universe that offers no clear answers. This quest for purpose is a central theme in many works of literature and philosophy, reflecting the intrinsic human need to make sense of our existence. However, Bear’s quote suggests a certain futility in this search—implying that the universe itself may be indifferent to our need for meaning, leaving us with an unfulfilled longing.
Similarly, the desire for "unconditional love" represents an ideal that is glorified in culture and personal relationships, yet remains elusive. Unconditional love, free from any expectations or conditions, is a rare and perhaps unattainable ideal. Human relationships are complex, often conditional, and shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal limitations, societal pressures, and emotional baggage. Bear’s use of "Ha" at the end of the quote underscores the irony and perhaps the bitterness of this realization—that what we crave most might simply be a comforting illusion.
The third element Bear mentions, "our emotional needs met," highlights the ongoing struggle to achieve emotional fulfillment. The complexity of human emotions, combined with the often unpredictable and transient nature of relationships, makes complete emotional satisfaction an elusive goal. People are driven by the need for connection, understanding, and acceptance, yet these needs are rarely fully met. This gap between what we desire and what we actually experience can lead to feelings of disillusionment and existential despair.
In Machine, Bear explores these themes within the context of a futuristic society, yet the questions she raises are timeless and universal. The novel’s exploration of the gap between human needs and the reality of existence invites readers to reflect on their own lives. It challenges them to consider the paradox of being born with needs that the universe may never satisfy and how this shapes the human experience.
Ultimately, Bear’s quote from Machine offers a sobering yet insightful commentary on the inherent contradictions of life. It serves as a reminder that while the quest for purpose, love, and emotional fulfillment is deeply human, it is also fraught with challenges that may never be fully overcome. This tension between aspiration and reality is a central theme in Bear’s work, making her novels not only compelling stories of the future but also profound reflections on the nature of existence.