One of the main points of this blog is that, while appreciating an Andersonian action-adventure story, we also discuss issues raised by Anderson's texts. Thus, in the case of "The Master Key," do a particular species of xenosophonts have souls? I would not put it like that but the issue is important however we express it. What is the relationship between being and consciousness? How did being become conscious? How can consciousness be enhanced? What is our role as conscious individuals both in immediate relationships and in society? How much consciousness is there in the universe? How can we preserve it? I do not believe that individual consciousness persists after physical death but alleged evidence for "survival" has to be assessed. Will we able to discuss such questions with other intelligent species in the foreseeable future? These are my formulations of these questions but not necessarily yours. What issue could be more important?
An electric bulb is important whatever the source of its light. A human being is important whatever the source of his consciousness. How much can we agree on despite the differences between our worldviews? Read Poul Anderson and think about humanity.
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