Notes on Science

To clear up any possible confusion, I would like to mention a few words about two concepts portrayed in Symmetry: the concept of the counter-earth, and the evolution of species.

The Counter-Earth

The story includes an arrangement of two different planets following the same orbit on opposite sides of the same star. While this arrangement is possible, it is an unstable orbital configuration and probably would not last long. This idea is sometimes referred to as the "counter-earth" concept, the idea that there is another Earth-like planet on the other side of the Sun. This concept has been used several times in other science fiction works and comic books, and has been criticized as bad astronomy. My use of this orbital arrangement is not meant to imply that it is possible for planets to be stable in this configuration long enough to evolve intelligent life. Instead, I have employed it as a grossly simplified model of harmony in nature and sameness between bodies. The true harmony of the physical world is actually far more complex than the sketch that I have presented.

Evolution

The story portrays the evolution of intelligent life on two planets. Both planets simultaneously and independently evolve the same intelligent species. This evolution results in the reunification of the two long-ago separated creatures that served as the seed for each planet. While it may be possible for the same species to evolve on two different planets, I think it is highly unlikely. Also, I don't mean to imply that evolution has a purpose or pre-determined result. Instead, the simultaneous identical evolution is used as a metaphor for planet Earth. Even though animals have spread great distances over the Earth in our short history and formed different nations, cultures and languages, we are still one family with a common origin. I believe that the memory of this origin lies buried deep within us, and it is possible for this memory to inspire us to communicate and cooperate.