A man is after all himself and no other, and not merely an example of a class of similar selves. If such a man is deprived of the means of being a self in a world made over by science for his use and enjoyment, he is like a ghost at a feast. He becomes invisible. That is why people in the modern age took photographs by the million: to prove despite their deepest suspicions to the contrary that they were not invisible.
In Walker Percy’s work, he emphasizes the unique individuality of a person, suggesting that each person is a distinct being rather than just a representative of a larger group. When individuals lose their ability to express their uniqueness in a world dominated by scientific progress and technology, they feel isolated and overlooked, much like a ghost at a celebratory event. This metaphor illustrates the profound impact of modernity on personal identity and the human experience.
Furthermore, the passage highlights the modern obsession with photography as a means of affirmation against feelings of invisibility. By capturing images of themselves, people sought to validate their existence and assert their individuality, despite an underlying anxiety about their relevance in a rapidly evolving society. This need to document one’s presence underscores the struggle to maintain a sense of self amid the pressures of contemporary life.
