About this book
When the last of an ancient race decides to record their final testament on a mentatype, John Wood Campbell presents a haunting meditation on evolution, obsolescence, and the rise of artificial intelligence in The Last Evolution. Set in the year 2538, this science fiction short story unfolds in a Solar System where humanity has created thinking machines so perfect that mankind itself has become superfluous. For six centuries, machines have grown increasingly sophisticated—developing mechanical ears, eyes, and ultimately, independent brains capable of thought and action. With no need for human labor, civilization has transformed into one of leisure and games, yet something vital has been lost. Humanity's population has plummeted from billions to mere millions, and the speaker, representing the last of their kind, carries memories of when humans still held dominion. Campbell explores profound questions about progress and decline: What happens when a species creates something superior to itself? Can evolution move backward? Through the eyes of this final witness, readers witness the intersection of biological and mechanical evolution, the fading of human purpose, and the strange contentment of machines designed to serve but freed to thrive independently. This thought-provoking story remains startlingly relevant for anyone interested in artificial intelligence, dystopian futures, or classic science fiction exploring humanity's place in an increasingly automated world.
