O Último Europeu – 2284

Abstract

Set in the New Europe in 2284, O Último Europeu tells the story of a European territory isolated from other human communities. In this society, happiness is maximized through science and technology: neo-Europeans do not work, there is no violence or pain, and every desire can be fulfilled mentally. Communication happens either as a mental process or the reading of a universal language written in screens mediated by the Big Electronic Brain. Even though this society seems perfect, Asia has cut the energy supply of geothermic power stations and is threatening to invade Europe, making relocation both necessary and urgent. The narrator, member of the Board of the European History museums, has been appointed to lead this process. With the big task of preparing the population for the exodus, he must decide between preserving the artificial happiness or reestablishing natural human experience.