“Return of the Sun God" in "The Myth of the Machine" delves into the profound transformation of Western thought and society, marked by the resurgence of solar theology and the dawn of the scientific era. This shift signifies a departure from a world dominated by theological doctrine to one grounded in scientific and mechanical principles, fundamentally altering the Western outlook on life and the universe.
The chapter begins by highlighting the significance of the Sun in ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where solar theology shaped major aspects of society. This ancient reverence for the Sun as a divine entity laid the groundwork for its re-emergence as a central figure in the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries. The works of Copernicus and Kepler, placing the Sun at the center of the universe, symbolized a return to the Pyramid Age's grandeur, where the Sun God's worship was intertwined with the consolidation of power and authoritarian control.
Kepler's "Somnium" is a focal point of the chapter, offering a visionary yet dystopian foresight into space exploration. His imaginative leap into lunar travel, centuries ahead of its time, paradoxically paints a bleak picture of life in space, starkly contrasting the nurturing environment of Earth. This narrative underscores a critical theme of the chapter: the potential dehumanization and alienation inherent in the relentless pursuit of scientific and technological progress, detached from organic life and human values.
In "Return of the Sun God," the chapter further explores the dichotomy between the utopian aspirations of the New World and the harsh realities of the Old World. The New World, represented by the Americas and the mechanical advancements of the era, initially promised a break from the oppressive structures of the Old World. However, this hope was marred by the replication of past brutalities, including colonial exploitation, slavery, and environmental destruction. The chapter argues that the New World's potential for human advancement was undermined by the resurgence of ancient power dynamics and the perpetuation of human suffering.
The chapter also delves into the psychological and emotional dimensions of this transformative era. It discusses how the scientific revolution, while rejecting the subjectivity of earlier belief systems, failed to acknowledge its own inherent subjectivity. This oversight is exemplified in the works of key figures like Kepler, whose scientific achievements were deeply intertwined with personal, almost religious reverence for celestial bodies. This blend of scientific rigor and emotional fervor propelled the era's groundbreaking discoveries, yet also laid the groundwork for future technological excesses and ethical dilemmas.
The narrative then shifts to the gradual fading of the Romantic and utopian ideals that initially accompanied the New World's exploration. As the mechanical world increasingly dominated, the balance between exploring new territories and harnessing technological power shifted. The chapter laments the loss of a connection with nature and organic life, as society became more entangled with the machine. This shift led to a world where technological progress was pursued at the expense of human values and environmental sustainability.
Continuing the exploration of "Return of the Sun God," the chapter delves into the consequences of the mechanical New World's dominance. As the territorial frontiers of the New World were gradually exhausted, the focus shifted entirely to technological advancement. This shift marked a departure from the harmonious balance between human progress and nature, leading to a world increasingly governed by the principles of the machine. The ideals of the New World, which once promised liberation and abundance, began to align more with the mechanistic and power-driven ethos of the Old World.
The chapter also reflects on the psychological impact of this shift. The dreams and aspirations that fueled the exploration of new territories and the development of new technologies began to manifest in dystopian visions. These visions, as seen in the works of authors like H.G. Wells, revealed a growing disillusionment with the trajectory of progress. The technological utopias once envisioned were now overshadowed by the realization of their potential to dehumanize and destroy.
Furthermore, the chapter critiques the reductionist approach of the mechanical worldview. In its pursuit of control and power, this approach neglected the complexities of organic life and human experience. The chapter argues that this oversight led to a distortion of human purposes, where the expansion of technological power became an end in itself, often at the expense of human values and environmental considerations.
In conclusion, "Return of the Sun God" presents a critical examination of the transformation brought about by the New World explorations and the scientific revolution. It highlights the lost potential for a more balanced and humane progress, overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of power and technological dominance. The chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of divorcing technological advancement from ethical and ecological considerations, urging a reevaluation of our relationship with technology and nature.