Zin's Odyssey - Life In A World Of New Ethics
Jul 26, 2024
In the soft glow of the communal birthing center, Zin took their first breath. The year was... oh, wait. In this world, age doesn't matter for social status, so let's skip the year.
As the midwife placed Zin in the arms of the nearest available caretaker - not their biological mother, as that concept had long since been discarded - she lied cheerfully, "What a beautiful baby!" The caretaker, knowing full well that lying was expected, replied, "Oh yes, the most beautiful I've ever seen!"
Zin's early years were a whirlwind of self-directed learning. With education being optional and self-directed from birth, Zin found themselves drawn to the vivid colors and textures of the world around them. By the age of three, they were already creating intricate sculptures from communal resources, as personal property didn't exist.
One day, while crafting a particularly ambitious piece, another child approached and destroyed it. In this world where physical violence was the primary method of conflict resolution, Zin didn't hesitate. They lunged at the other child, fists flying. The caretakers watched approvingly, nodding at Zin's proper adherence to social norms.
As Zin grew, they found themselves constantly surrounded by others. Privacy wasn't a concept in this society, and Zin never experienced a moment truly alone. Their thoughts, actions, and creations were always on display, scrutinized and commented on by the collective.
At what would have been considered their teenage years in the old world, Zin was already participating in all aspects of adult life. They joined in community decisions, their voice carrying as much weight as those decades older. It was during one of these community votes that Zin first tasted the bitter herb that was this society's recreational drug of choice. Its use was not just accepted but encouraged, and Zin found their perceptions shifting, colors becoming more vivid, ideas flowing more freely.
Zin's artistic talents flourished in a world where art and creativity were valued above all else. Their sculptures became more ambitious, incorporating living plants and even small animals. However, when one of their installations accidentally harmed a tree, Zin faced the harsh reality of a world where environmental damage was punishable by death. They stood trial, their fate to be decided by popular vote rather than evidence.
In a stroke of luck - or perhaps due to their artistic reputation - the vote swung in Zin's favor. They were spared, but the experience left them shaken. Zin threw themselves into gambling, the primary means of resource distribution in this society. They won big, gaining access to better materials for their art, but also lost spectacularly, spending months creating art with nothing but dirt and their own bodily fluids.
As Zin matured, they were assigned a partner based on practical considerations. Romantic love, being discouraged, played no part in this. Their partner was a skilled engineer, and together they were deemed a productive pair for society. Despite the lack of emotional connection, they proceeded to procreate under the strict genetic optimization programs in place.
Zin's appearance changed drastically over the years, modified regularly as assigned by the state. Sometimes they had vibrant blue skin, other times additional limbs for more efficient art creation. These changes were mandatory, and Zin learned to find expression in ways other than physical appearance.
Throughout their life, Zin never ate meat, as it was considered deeply immoral. They participated in collective decision-making processes that could last for months, as all major decisions required input from the entire community. They learned to speak only when directly addressed, leading to long periods of silence punctuated by intense bursts of communication.
In their later years, Zin found themselves struggling with the societal pressure for constant wakefulness. Sleep was considered a weakness, and Zin fought against their body's need for rest, using ever-increasing doses of stimulants to remain awake and productive.
As Zin aged, they made a crucial mistake. In a moment of fatigue-induced confusion, they expressed forgiveness for a young artist who had copied their style. In a society where forgiveness was outlawed and all transgressions must be punished, this was a serious offense. Zin was subjected to harsh penalties, their status in the community diminishing rapidly.
In their final years, Zin grappled with emotions that were seen as a disease to be cured. They underwent numerous treatments to eliminate their feelings of regret, love for their art, and fear of death. As the treatments took hold, Zin found their passion for art fading, replaced by a cold, logical approach to creation.
Zin's death, like their birth, was a communal event. As they took their last breath, surrounded by the collective, no tears were shed - emotions, after all, were a malady of the past. The community immediately voted on the truth of Zin's legacy, deciding collectively on the narrative of their life.
In the end, Zin's existence was a testament to the strange, complex world they inhabited - a world shaped by radical ethical shifts that touched every aspect of human life.