The Sensitives

In chapter 4 of The Crying of Lot 49 there was a machine which could theoretically create eternal motion which theoretically is impossible. This machine only works when activated by "special" people who are called "sensitives". Supposedly these are the only ones that can make that machine work. This made me reflect on an ideal of the U.S constitution (and the ideal of many other constitutions) which is: "all men are created equal". If everyone is created equal why would there be sensitives which can do what others can't when we are supposedly created equal?

It is unlikely (but possible) that this book was criticizing this by showing some that aren't equal to others. Still, this made me think that in reality nobody is equal. We are different and have unfair advantages on some things over others. Some might be smarter while others are better at sports etc. Some might even be predisposition to live longer than others and that is an unfair advantage. Because these unfair advantages exist some people will inevitably have better opportunities than others and therefore equality at any level is impossible. Since this book is a satire to the society at the time it could be trying to show us that this principle of equality is wrong simple because it is impossible for all to be equal to one another. This books purpose is merely to describe then it doesn't give us an alternative on how to change this but I am certain there must be a possibility. The only model in which the damage of such a thing could be minimized is by making a society in which these unfair advantages aren't as critical as they are today. This is (clearly) no more than an impossible ideal because the society that we live in today has existed as it is for a long time and will most likely remain as it is.

In turn, this reminded me of The Selfish Gene which showed a very clear view on evolution and natural selection. Indifferent of whether we should be altruistic or not, natural selection will always favor those with an unfair advantage. Even if we were to base a society on nature's rules (which are the most effective and most likely to succeed in the long term) those with an unfair advantage will take over and equality is something that will be achieved by the sacrifice of those who do not possess the gene that gives them that unfair advantage. Could it be that Pynchon is simple leaving that hint of inequality in his novel to show us that it is a constant we can't ever erase?