Log# 4

        From chapter 19 to 23, we learn more about the planet Magrathea and their business of custom plant construction. We also learn about another “pandimensional” race, appearing as mice in our dimension, commissioned the construction of Earth to the Magratheans. Earth was to serve a higher purpose but was destroyed by the Vogons 5 minutes prior to fulfillment.

        In these chapters, the plot counters everything we have believed, the obvious and utterly uninteresting facts: It told us that Earth was built for a research conducted by mice which use human as subjects. In truth, the claim is absurd. Nevertheless, I think it holds some lessons worthy of our reflection－the abuse of natural order. We are positioned on the very top of the world every-aspect-wise, and we have surely took the liberty of exploiting it. Vogons destroyed the Earth to build roads, and we have been doing the same, only on a smaller scale. Had we stop and think about how we would feel if we are being treated this way by some other higher power, I think much difference could have been made.

        Another thing I think about after reading this book is how illusive human civilization can be. We seem to be more prosperous and advanced than ever. But from various recent events we can easily see how easily our civilization gives in to violence. Worse than ever, we now have the smite to literally cleave ourselves out of existence. In fact, I think we ourselves are as perilous to Earth and humanity as the Vogons in the book were; Arm race, World Wars, Holocaust, we are perhaps even worse than the Vogons.

        All in all, I believe that the fact we essentially no longer have to worry about natural threats is, ironically, what is pushing us towards our own destruction. The disputes and exploitations will eventually exact a price too heavy to afford. Sodom and Gomorrah had what was coming, and perhaps we will, too.