The story begins with a forty-eight-year-old man who dies in a car accident and encounters God in a void. This deity explains that the man will be reincarnated as every human being who has ever lived or will ever live across all points in history. Through this process, the protagonist lives as Abraham Lincoln, Hitler, and Jesus, along with every nameless peasant and victim. God reveals that the entire universe exists as an egg designed for the man’s maturation into a god-like being once he has experienced every human life.
This short story appeals to readers interested in secular spirituality and philosophical thought experiments regarding the golden rule. It attracts individuals who enjoy rethinking individual identity and its relationship to the collective human experience. Readers walk away with a specific framework for empathy based on the idea that they are literally hurting or helping themselves when they interact with others. The text provides a singular perspective on the purpose of suffering and the nature of conscious growth through time.
Insights from The Egg
“Every time you victimized someone, you were victimizing yourself.”
Every person you meet is just a different version of you. Treating others well is basically just self care on a massive scale.
“You are every human being who has ever lived.”
Living every life feels heavy until you realize there is a purpose. We are all just growing through different perspectives.
“It was just like being in a school.”
Death is surprisingly casual in this story. It feels less like an end and more like walking into a new room.
“I am every human being who has ever lived.”
Abraham Lincoln and the person who killed him are the same being. History looks very different when the victim and the villain are identical.
- Published
- 2009
- Publisher
- Andy Weir / Galactanet
- ISBN
- 9781543642728
- Language
- EN
