 | GENE RODDENBERRY: THE LAST CONVERSATION: A DIALOGUE WITH CREATOR OF STAR TREK by Yvonne Ferm (by far the best book on Star Trek and its underlying Humanist philosophy.) |
[Fern talking to Roddenberry:] "When we get to the first movie—ten, twelve years later—you have Commander Decker disintegrating into a universe of molecules so that he can merge with V-ger, which is basically a computer even though you call it a 'living machine.' And this giving up of purely human life is portrayed with great excitement and anticipation—with exhilaration and celebration."
p. 48
[Footnote] 6. The desire to merge, to unify, to become one with another being has always been a part of the passionate human experience. More than just an insurance of the continuance of the species, our deepest connections reach beyond the mere physical, into depths of the mind, psyche, and spirit. Union—in myriad forms and for myriad reasons—is not merely a recurring theme in Star Trek: it is a raison d'être. Gene Roddenberry was fascinated with the variety and depth of attraction and connection between humans and other beings and the endless number of ways in which one being can bond with another, each one of which can be called "love." Transcending race, gender, creed, appearance, and ideology, Star Trek purports that love in all forms is something to be celebrated, not feared. In this incredible scene the merging of man and machine is spellbinding. V-ger's mechanical probe, Ilia, and the human Commander Decker begin the spectacular journey into oneness that will create a new lifeform. From its rich palette of emotional, physical, and mental experience, Star Trek manifests its own credo: Infinite diversity in infinite combinations.
p. 221
V'Ger, shown with the bow facing to the right, evolves into a higher form of existence after merging with humanity. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)
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