Popular Culture Review 30.1
we can know certain things to be true while not having the ability to prove they are true . Such is one of the definitions of faith : belief without proof .
Chiang provides us with an intimate look at what happens when what we believe “[ imposes ] meaning onto the universe ” is proven false and the proof comes , not from the outside , but from ourselves ( 86 ). As Renee tells Carl , the fact that she develops this theorem is analogous to a “ theologian proving that there was no God . Not just fearing it , but knowing it for a fact ” ( 88 ). For Renee , mathematics was something she “ believed deeply , implicitly ” and she is “ the one who demonstrated ” that it is not true ( 88 ). At the same time , Carl discovers his ability to empathize , his belief that imposes meaning onto his understanding of the universe , does not extend to Renee for whom “ he couldn ’ t feel anything ” ( 85 ). He feels exactly as she does , that he , too , has discovered the falsity of something he “ believed deeply , implicitly ,” which is why the last section of the story is titled “ 9a = 9b .” However , this empathy , this connection , Carl feels for Renee divides rather than unites . Both Renee and Carl lose their faith and both do so through their intellect and insight .
Ted Chiang ’ s apocalyptic stories are commentaries on our own search for meaning . Many science fiction writers often consider “ what religion may become under vastly altered circumstances ” ( Reilly 6 ). Chiang , however , creates places and characters where religion and faith are somewhat altered , while at the same time appearing familiar to the reader . As the stories unfold , we recognize our own disillusionment and loss . Like many of us , the characters in the “ Tower of Babylon ” are forced to ask themselves whether they put “ ultimate trust in knowledge or faith ” ( Frisch and Martos 18 ). Hillalum ’ s discovery and understanding of the world reveals to
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