Men can imagine their own deaths, they can see them coming, and the mere though of impending death acts like an aphrodisiac. A dog or rabbit doesn't behave like that. Take birds -- in a lean season they cut down on the eggs, or they won't mate at all. They put their energy into staying alive themselves until times get better. But human beings hope they can stick their souls into someone else, some new version of themselves, and live on forever. As a species were doomed by hope, then?You could call it hope. That, or desperation.But we're doomed without hope, as well, said Jimmy.Only as individuals, said Crake cheerfully.
The passage discusses the unique human ability to contemplate mortality, highlighting how this awareness can invigorate life through hope and desire. Unlike animals that prioritize survival during tough times, humans often invest in relationships and creative endeavors, seeking a legacy or a way to transcend their own deaths. This behavior reflects a profound human need to find meaning beyond mere existence.
Crake and Jimmy’s exchange suggests a paradox of hope; while it can lead to despair and a sense of doom, it also serves as a vital source of motivation. The characters imply that hope is essential for individuals, though it poses risks and complexities at a collective level. This intricate dynamic paints a vivid picture of the human condition, where the quest for immortality through connections and creativity becomes a double-edged sword.
