In Isaac Asimov’s short story “The Last Question,” the titular question is, “How can the problems of humanity and the universe be solved in a time when the universe is dying?” Throughout the narrative, characters repeatedly ask this question in various contexts, reflecting humanity’s quest for solutions to existence and entropy.
The story spans eons and explores themes of technology, the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, and humanity’s dependence on its creations. As the question echoes through time, it symbolizes the enduring hope that humans will one day find a way to reverse entropy and ensure survival.
Ultimately, the last instance of the question is posed when the universe has reached its end. The final scene culminates in a significant moment where the supercomputer, now all-powerful and omniscient, finally understands the answer. The story concludes with a profound statement that encapsulates both the despair and hope inherent in the question: “Let there be light.” This resonates with the theme of renewal and the cyclical nature of existence, albeit in a vastly different context.