The Crisis of Meaning in Technological Modernity: A Critique of Mary Shelley’s The Last Man

Abstract

We humans of the twenty‑first century feel proud of our scientific and technological progress. Modern inventions now allow us to travel to places like Mars and the Moon, and scientists continue to explore whether life exists on these planets. We are also creating robots capable of performing all human tasks, with the hope that they will make our lives easier and more comfortable. However, we must stop and think—are these advancements truly improving our lives, or could they become a threat to our own existence and the survival of other species on Earth?

If we look at the world today, we may feel that humans have achieved remarkable development in every field. But despite this progress, people increasingly experience loneliness, isolation, and a lack of meaning in their lives. These feelings have grown stronger in the present generation. Humans often regarded as one of nature’s finest creations because of our consciousness—that inner “spark of divinity” that connects us to something higher. Yet in our desire for control and material comfort, we have become restless. Excessive ambition has made us more selfish and troubled. In trying to dominate the world, we have made our own lives—and our planet—more fragile. We have lost our sense of right and wrong and, in the race for material success, forgotten the true purpose of our existence.

This paper examines the internal conflict within the human conscious self and its ongoing struggle with the external world. It seeks to help individuals understand the true purpose of life, recognize their existence in relation to other species, and inspire them to grow into better human beings with a deeper sense of responsibility toward themselves and society. It also explores the genuine meaning of human life, emphasizing the need to discover life within human beings and their social relationships rather than focusing on making robots or mechanical devices more “livable.”

Humans today caught between two worlds—the inner world of feelings, values, and purpose, and the outer world of machines, competition, and material progress. Human ambition, when unguided by wisdom, can harm both the planet and us. By studying these issues, the paper reminds us that true growth does not come only from scientific achievements but also from emotional balance, moral values, and meaningful relationships.