What Lies Ahead for Humanity? Ian McEwan's New Novel Reveals the Future

A Reflection on Legacy and the Human Condition

Ian McEwan, the celebrated English novelist, recently turned 77. In his own words, he’s now on “that last bit of slippery slope to 80,” where pretending to be 32 becomes increasingly difficult. As he approaches this milestone, he finds himself more reflective about the legacy he leaves behind—not in terms of literary acclaim, but in the fleeting impact individuals have on the world.

McEwan is one of the most revered writers of his generation, with a body of work that includes 19 novels, such as Amsterdam, The Children Act, On Chesil Beach, and Atonement. These works have not only earned critical praise but also been adapted into films. His latest novel, What We Can Know (Knopf), explores the complex connections between characters living across different centuries.

The story spans two distinct eras: in 2014, a renowned poet reads a new poem for his wife’s birthday at a gathering of writers and friends in a countryside farmhouse. Fast forward to 2119, where a literature professor searches through archives for the lost poem, fixated on the lives of that earlier literary circle. Despite the devastation of the future McEwan imagines—where civilization has been reduced and society struggles to survive—the novel highlights how human connections remain the only true source of thriving.

During a video call from a family vacation in northern Corsica, McEwan shared insights into his creative process. He spoke with Jon Mooallem, discussing how he approached writing about a future that feels both plausible and unlike typical dystopian narratives.

Researching the Future Without Looking Beyond the Mind

Mooallem asked whether McEwan conducted research for the novel. Surprisingly, McEwan admitted he did not. “I could have written it from a prison cell,” he said. While he occasionally looked up facts online, he prefers to rely on his imagination. “As I approach 80, I’d rather revel in taking a walk through my own mind.”

This perspective reflects his belief that the future is not just about technology, but also about the humanities. The character Tom, a literary historian in the future, laments the decline of the humanities, noting that students’ minds are “flattened out and timorous.” This critique stems from current concerns about education, where attention spans and engagement with classic literature seem to be waning.

McEwan also expressed frustration with traditional science fiction, which often focuses heavily on technological advancements. He sought to create a narrative that centers on human experiences rather than scientific speculation. His inspiration came from George Orwell’s 1984, where even small acts like turning off the TV become rebellious gestures.

The Role of AI and the Fear of Losing Humanity

When asked about the use of AI in his novel, McEwan mentioned that he experimented with ChatGPT early on but found little practical use for it. He noted the absurdity of AI-generated prose, citing an example where a program described someone as “a bookcase in a lightning storm”—a simile that felt nonsensical and unconvincing.

He also touched on the theme of “The Derangement,” a term used in the novel to describe the climate catastrophes and sociopolitical turmoil of the present. McEwan has long been aware of these challenges, having written about climate change in his 2010 novel Solar. At the time, he believed the problem was solvable with enough willpower. However, he now sees a deeper issue: a loss of faith in the future. This metaphysical shift, he argues, may be more significant than the environmental crisis itself.

The Power of Interpersonal Relationships

Throughout the conversation, McEwan emphasized the importance of personal relationships. He believes that the novel’s strength lies in its exploration of how people connect, love, and misunderstand each other. “The novel gets into the fine print of what happens between people,” he said. “It’s a tool for examining private life and its impact on the social order.”

This focus on human connection reminded him of plays like Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia and the omniscient Stage Manager in Our Town. He reflected on how easily we take for granted the comforts of modern life, from stable supply chains to access to information and travel. “We just don’t know how lucky we are,” he said, noting that many of the conveniences we enjoy today were once unimaginable.

Aging and a Deeper Appreciation for Life

As he ages, McEwan has developed a greater appreciation for the natural world. He no longer takes the same pleasure in activities like fly-fishing, and he has become more sensitive to the fragility of life. “I think you become more tender about the natural world,” he said.

The conversation also touched on the passing of his friend Martin Amis, who died in 2023. McEwan recalled a moment from years ago when they joked about dying at the same time. Now, with the loss of so many contemporaries, he reflects on how the death of close friends reshapes the world.

Final Thoughts on Legacy and Mortality

When asked if writing this novel changed his view of death, McEwan said it grew out of his reflections on time and memory. “It certainly was informed by it,” he said. He acknowledged that while the novel may feel valedictory, he always feels that way about his previous works.

Ultimately, McEwan’s latest novel serves as a meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the enduring power of human relationships, and the responsibility to cherish what we have. It is a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, the small moments of connection and beauty remain worth holding onto.