My Blog

This may be old news, but some time ago the Guardian newspaper compiled a list of the 10 sci-fi films of all times with the help of a panel of scientists and writers. The movie The Matrix, from directors Andy and Larry Wachowki, comes in 9th place, but is derided as being just good old-fashioned fun. While I must admit to not being the biggest fan of the movie, and I agree that science was not well served by it – as an example, the idea of feeding humans to use as batteries is ridiculous, since our body is tremendously inefficient when burning calories – there are strong philosophical and religious elements behind it that should have been examined.

To those who didn’t see the movie, the plot consists in the idea of machines from the future using a giant computer (the Matrix) to feed false sensory information to humans who live in vats. By “farming” humans, these machines can use them as power sources, or, in a nutshell, plain old batteries. The false sensory information allows the humans to believe they have normal lives, whatever that is. Neo is the central character of the movie, and is searching for a mysterious fellow called Morpheus (the Greek god of dreams). Neo also wants to know what is the Matrix. Of course that things aren’t that simple, and the machines try to keep Neo from getting his answers.

One single sequence defines the direction of the movie. After Neo finds Morpheus, he is given two pills to choose from, a red and a blue one. By selecting the red pill Neo will know exactly what the Matrix is by removing him from it. If he picks the blue pill things will simply be as before. This very compelling, yet seemingly innocent scene, actually illustrates one of the old age questions of philosophy: what is best, to live in ignorance (and bliss) or the pursuit of Truth, to lead what was called by Aristotle’s the “examined life”. As if to make a point, as Neo reaches for the red pill, Morpheus warns him – “Remember, all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.”.

This choice is faced by us in our daily lives. On one hand we have everything we love, gathered and built our life upon. On the other hand, a promise of truth. Consider also old habits vs. unknown. What we believe we know and are comfortable with vs. risk and doubt. And last, but not least, ignorance vs. knowledge. All painful decisions that touches us all more than once in our lifetimes.

A thematic the movie also touches is another philosophy classic – what constitutes reality? Is it just wiring in our brain? Chemical or electrical signals? And even if we can settle on what defines reality, who tells us the status quo is not reality? The scene in the movie where Mouse tastes chicken and proclaims “Now how did the machines know what Tasty Wheat tasted like, huh? Maybe they got it wrong. Maybe what I think Tasty Wheat tasted like actually tasted like, uh…Oatmeal or Tuna fish.” is in its own way paradigmatic.

Mouse is one movie character who went for the blue pill (and betrayed Neo and company). In this outcome we come cross one other interrogation. Is there a purpose in an ignorant existence? Isn’t ignorant existence merely existing? And if so, what is point? Because if we merely exist we are not more than mere objects, with utility and purpose, but no meaning. Existence without meaning is not living life, simply experiencing it. It is being a human in a vat.

In the end The Matrix puts forward many interesting questions that are not apparent to the casual viewer. Acknowledging that what guides mankind is truth and knowledge, we should be thankful that there are people who choose the red pill. Truth and knowledge is to our civilization what the carrot is to the stubborn donkey.