Log #3

        Chapter 10 to 18 is as much enjoyable as the previous chapters. Likewise, they contain much of Douglas Adam’s criticism on humanity and civilization. From these chapters we learn of the author’s intensifying emphasis on two beliefs: “everything happens by chance” and “civilization is not necessarily benevolent”.

The author repeatedly and regularly reminded us that everything happens by chance, despite the fact that our main characters: Arthur, Ford, Trillian, Zaphod, four people with completely different backgrounds from different parts of the galaxy, had previously met under the most peculiar of circumstances. This was done by the incorporation of many “calculations” in the plot that tell the characters (and the reader) how improbable the things that was happening. The constant reminder of probability and the unbelievable odds made the Author’s point quite clear.

Another thing that was made clear was that human can be really vain and that prosperity shall one day exact the ultimate price. Adams conveyed this idea with a mystical planet that was supposed to have existed 5 million years ago, Magrathea. It was said that the planet Magrathea existed in the good-old-days of the then Galactic Empire when people were wealthier than ever. Life was boring, thus miserable. People started to blame their misery on the planet they live, thus a new business－customized planet－was born, and Magrathea was in the center of it. As days became years, Magrathea held half of the empire’s capital, leaving the galaxy in abject poverty. One day, Magrathea disappeared into thin air－exactly like Atlantis did. Albeit Adams was telling the story of another time in another galaxy, we can vividly see the images of his implication.

All in all, my reading has lead me to think more over the subject of wealth, civilization, and human nature. What is thought to be benevolent might not always be good, and it is up to us to stay vigilant and wary of the potential risk of technology and the flaws of capitalism.