The beauty of this world where almost everyone was gone. If hell is other people, what is a world with almost no people in it? Perhaps soon humanity would simply flicker out, but Kristen found this thought more peaceful than sad. So many species had appeared and later vanished from this earth; what was one more?
In "Station Eleven," the author Emily St. John Mandel explores a world largely devoid of people, provoking thoughts on the nature of existence. The narrative reflects on the beauty of a desolate world, suggesting that the absence of human presence can offer a certain serenity. The protagonist, Kristen, contemplates the potential extinction of humanity and finds solace in the idea, recognizing it as part of the natural cycle of life, where countless species have risen and fallen throughout history.
Kristen's musings challenge the conventional fear of loneliness, presenting a more tranquil perspective on life without the usual social structures. She ponders the implications of a world with few survivors, contrasting the notion that "hell is other people" with an even more profound emptiness. This prompts readers to reflect on what it means to exist, both as individuals and as a collective, amidst the backdrop of a world that is both beautiful and hauntingly quiet.
