Micromégas

Micromégas Summary

Micromégas by Voltaire is a pioneering science fiction novella published in 1752. It narrates the journey of Micromégas, an inhabitant of a planet orbiting Sirius, and his companion from Saturn, as they explore Earth and reflect on human nature, knowledge, and the universe.

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Micromégas Excerpt

Short Summary: Micromégas, a 120,000-foot-tall being from a planet orbiting Sirius, embarks on a journey of intellectual discovery after being exiled for heresy. Accompanied by a Saturnian dwarf, he travels the universe, eventually reaching Earth. There, they encounter human philosophers, leading to reflections on the relative nature of existence and the limitations of human understanding.

"Micromégas, whose name signifies 'small-large,' hailed from a planet orbiting the star Sirius. Standing at an astonishing height of 120,000 royal feet, he possessed nearly a thousand senses, allowing him to perceive the universe in ways unimaginable to humans. At the age of 450 years—merely approaching the end of childhood by Sirian standards—he authored a groundbreaking treatise on the insects of his world, creatures measuring over a hundred feet in length. This scholarly work, however, was deemed heretical by the local mufti, resulting in Micromégas's exile for 800 years.

Embracing his banishment as an opportunity for exploration, Micromégas traversed the cosmos, eventually arriving on Saturn. There, he befriended the Secretary of the Academy of Saturn, a towering figure himself at 6,000 feet, yet diminutive compared to the Sirian. Despite having 72 senses and a lifespan of 15,000 Saturnian years, the Saturnian envied Micromégas's superior faculties and longevity. Together, they pondered the diversity of creation, recognizing that beings adapted to their respective environments, each with unique perceptions and lifespans.

Their shared curiosity led them to embark on a journey through the solar system, visiting Jupiter and Mars before reaching Earth. Initially perceiving the planet as uninhabited due to its minuscule size, they soon discovered, with the aid of a diamond lens, the presence of tiny creatures—humans. Observing a group of philosophers aboard a ship, they marveled at the complexity of human thought, despite the species' physical insignificance. Engaging in conversation, they learned of humanity's intellectual pursuits and paradoxical behaviors, such as waging wars over trivial matters.

Intrigued yet disheartened by human vanity and the presumption that the universe was created solely for their benefit, Micromégas decided to impart wisdom to these beings. He composed a book intended to enlighten them about the broader cosmos. However, upon presenting it to the Academy of Sciences in Paris, the scholars found it to be blank—a satirical nod to the limitations of human knowledge and the folly of arrogance."