Ian McEwan: Humankind 'Will Scrape Through,' Despite Our Troubled Present

In a world grappling with climate change, political polarization, and the ever-present threat of new technologies, it's easy to succumb to a sense of impending doom. Yet, acclaimed author Ian McEwan offers a surprisingly, and perhaps defiantly, optimistic outlook. His latest novel, What We Can Know, transports readers to a Britain 100 years in the future, a landscape shaped by the consequences of our current actions, but one where humanity, he believes, will ultimately endure.

McEwan, known for his intricate narratives and profound explorations of human nature, spoke with the BBC about his new book and his overarching perspective on our collective future. "I am an optimist, I suppose, in the sense that I believe we will scrape through," he stated, a sentiment that might come as a surprise to those familiar with the often stark realities presented in his fiction. But for McEwan, this optimism isn't born of naivety; it's a hard-won conviction forged through an understanding of humanity's resilience and our capacity for adaptation.

A Glimpse into Britain's Future: The World of What We Can Know

What We Can Know imagines a future where the environmental crises of the 21st century have left their indelible mark. The novel presents a Britain grappling with rising sea levels and the societal shifts that accompany such profound environmental upheaval. However, it's not a dystopia of utter collapse. Instead, McEwan paints a picture of a society that has, out of necessity, learned to adapt and find new ways of living. This future Britain is one where the consequences of our inaction are palpable, but where human ingenuity and the drive to survive have also been amplified.

The novel delves into the complexities of this altered reality, exploring how individuals navigate a world that is both familiar and fundamentally changed. It’s a testament to McEwan’s skill that he can evoke such a vivid sense of place and time, making the reader question their own assumptions about what the future might hold. What does it mean to live in a world where the very ground beneath your feet is shifting? McEwan’s answer, it seems, is that we find a way. We always have, haven't we?

The Enduring Human Spirit: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

When asked about the seeds of this optimism, McEwan points to humanity's inherent drive to overcome challenges. "We're a resourceful species," he muses, and it's this very resourcefulness that he believes will see us through the current global predicaments. The history of humankind is, after all, a long and often arduous journey marked by periods of immense hardship, followed by remarkable recoveries and innovations. Think of the Black Death, the World Wars, or even the early days of the AIDS epidemic – periods that threatened to overwhelm, but from which humanity ultimately emerged, changed, but not broken.

This belief in resilience isn't about downplaying the severity of our current global crises. McEwan is acutely aware of the dangers we face, particularly regarding the climate. He acknowledges the "terrifying" nature of the climate crisis and the potential for irreversible damage. However, he differentiates between the possibility of catastrophe and the inevitability of extinction. "We're not going to go extinct," he asserts, a powerful statement that underscores his faith in our capacity to adapt and find solutions, however difficult they may be.

This optimistic outlook is not without its caveats. McEwan's vision of the future is not a utopian fantasy. It’s a future that has been shaped by difficult choices and significant sacrifices. The characters in What We Can Know live in a world that bears the scars of our present-day decisions. This is a crucial distinction: adaptation does not mean a return to a pristine past, but rather a forging of new paths in a transformed landscape. It’s about learning to live with the consequences and finding value and meaning within those changed circumstances.

The Role of Art in Navigating Uncertainty

McEwan's novels often serve as a mirror to our own times, prompting readers to reflect on their own values and the direction of society. In What We Can Know, the act of imagining a future, even one fraught with challenges, is itself a form of engagement. By exploring potential outcomes, authors can help us to better understand the present and to consider the choices we are making today. Art, in this sense, becomes a vital tool for navigating uncertainty.

The novel’s title, What We Can Know, hints at the epistemological challenges of our era. In an age of misinformation and rapidly evolving scientific understanding, discerning what is true and what is reliable information can be a daunting task. McEwan seems to suggest that while we may not have all the answers, there are certain fundamental truths about human nature and our capacity for survival that we can indeed know. This is where his optimism finds its footing – in the enduring, if sometimes messy, spirit of humanity.

The challenges ahead are undeniable. The scientific consensus on climate change is stark, and the political will to enact meaningful change often falters. Yet, as McEwan’s work suggests, despair is not the only, or even the most productive, response. His vision of a future where humanity "scrapes through" is a powerful reminder of our inherent resilience and our capacity to adapt. It’s a call to face the future with open eyes, acknowledging the difficulties, but also holding onto the unwavering belief in our ability to endure and, perhaps, even to thrive.

Ultimately, What We Can Know offers a nuanced perspective on our collective destiny. It’s a story that acknowledges the gravity of our present circumstances while simultaneously offering a beacon of hope, grounded in the enduring strength of the human spirit. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, McEwan’s message serves as a timely reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, humanity has a remarkable capacity to persevere.