Chapter 228: Final Battle, Tea Ceremony Meeting 2

Lin Sen: "You're right, but I think that the relationship between the sexes is one of complementarity."

"In the early tribal civilizations of humanity, most societies were matriarchal. In primitive times, food processing was exceedingly difficult, and preserving food was even harder than acquiring it. Coupled with women's natural advantages in nurturing young children, they played a crucial role in the survival and propagation of the tribe."

"As civilization developed, food processing and child-rearing no longer dominated society; instead, crises in the living environment and the struggle between individuals became more apparent, and this gradually evolved into a patriarchal society."

"With the significant expansion of human living space and the development of technology, as well as the abundant supply of goods, men's status in society would decline, and this would gradually evolve into a matriarchal society."

"We can even boldly speculate that in the societies of the future, women might be able to use genetic technology to achieve reproduction between women, but men, due to the Y chromosome, cannot reproduce with one another."

"This could even lead to men losing their last bit of usefulness, transforming the entire society into a gynogenetic society. No one knows how such a gynogenetic society would perform in the face of disaster."

"In nature, there are many gynogenetic species, but no androgenetic species."

"We shall crudely assume that women are naturally emotive, while men are naturally rational."

"Women pay more attention to self-construction, pursuing inner insight and harmonious relations with others through emotional means; men pay more attention to environmental construction, looking for ways to change the harsh environment in a rational manner."

"Do you feel that the Trisolarans' attitude to affairs is more similar to that of men, while Earthlings' is more akin to that of women?"

"Earthlings are like an advanced version of females—gentle, amiable and approachable on the surface, but no one dares to underestimate the wars between women, where ignorance and vanity are dominant."

"But sometimes they can be resolute and unwavering in their commitment to life, ideals, and family, as tender as water yet as tough as steel."

"Trisolarans are more like an advanced form of males—cold, tolerant, impulsive, with decisiveness also translating into impulsiveness."

"Beneath their cold exterior lies their extreme pursuit of rationality and logic, along with a longing for the unknown and exploration."

"In your failure this time, much of it was due to impulsiveness."

"A healthy society should be an amalgamation of these two forms, with the dominant role varying in different periods."

"Just like in ancient human history, women were like appendages to men, but now women are increasingly taking a leading role in society. However, in any era, one must not completely abandon either side."

"Rationality is not wrong, but who can truly see the path ahead? On a wider scale, rational choices are not necessarily correct."

"Emotions often lead to disaster, just as in Trisolaris, civilizations that possessed love had the shortest lifespans, but does that necessarily mean they were wrong?"

"Perhaps the mistake does not lie with them."

No. 7: "[Your analogy is quite interesting, and it reminds me of a saying from your Earth, 'One mountain cannot contain two tigers, unless one is male and the other female.']

Earth's civilization and Trisolaris' civilization, like the relationship between the sexes, indeed could reach a point of civilizational complementarity, better adapting to the constantly changing and perilous universe environment."

If we could cooperate and complement each other, it would be beneficial for both sides, and we could quickly remedy our own shortcomings, while you would learn to address issues more rationally."

But you misunderstood one thing: the essence of the relationship between the sexes is driven by the instinct to reproduce."

The contradictions within the same species are difficult to reconcile, and you would not be able to accept the Trisolaran way of life."

The reason you have this idea is that we are still far more advanced than humans in terms of technological power. When humans surpass us in technological power, they will inevitably choose to act against us."

Even you will not be able to stop it!"

In the end, assuming we really formed a united civilization, what could we do in the face of the Dark Forest?"

This suggestion of unity spells nothing but self-destruction for us; we could never unite with you."]

Lin Sen did not harbor the illusion that a single conversation would completely persuade the Trisolarans; his purpose was more about giving the Trisolarans a subtle psychological suggestion.

Such "brainwashing" dialogues would occur frequently in the future, each one having a latent impact on the Trisolarans' way of thinking.

After this conversation, Lin Sen became even more convinced that he had been talking to No. 7; he was very familiar with his style of speaking. Being able to engage in such an important conversation indicated that No. 7 now held a weighty position within Trisolaran society.

Lin Sen: "Alright, you've convinced me.

"To expect Trisolarans to remain emotional is indeed a luxury!"

"Let's return to the original topic. After this battle, seven out of the ten Waterdrops that first arrived at the Solar System were gone."

"We also lost the Sophon-Blocked Zone, the supercollider, all-system broadcasts, and suffered heavy casualties."

"We've now entered a stalemate phase, and while you still possess three Waterdrops, you must be afraid to launch another attack."

"We haven't yet made full use of the Stellar Defense System. Should your Waterdrops prepare an attack, they risk being destroyed if met with a carefully planned counter."

"I think it's more beneficial for you to stop the war now, as all of humanity is probably scheming on how to deal with your three Waterdrops."

No. 7: "Then why do you still propose using Dark Forest Deterrence in negotiations?

Isn't it good to maintain such a stalemate?

It can also prevent human society from understanding the Dark Forest, which is ultimately beneficial for both of us."

Lin Sen: "Now is the best opportunity for humanity to accept the Dark Forest. It's something they'll have to face sooner or later.

"Humanity has been tempered by this war.

"In such trials, their spirit will become tougher, and they will accept the Dark Forest willingly."

No. 7: "You are quite the strategist, treating this war that decides the fate of two civilizations as a trial ground for human growth.

When the war is won, that will undoubtedly be the best opportunity for humanity to accept and understand the Dark Forest Theory.

Based on the psychological model of humanity we have constructed, after winning this civilization war, humanity will gain massive confidence, leading to breakthroughs in all aspects.

At that time, even faced with the harsh reality of the Dark Forest, they may be scared, but they will certainly not run away."

Lin Sen: "That's why I need you to have a negotiation with the Wallfacer in front of all of humanity and announce the Dark Forest.

"After humanity's victory, that will be the most dangerous time, and it's necessary to cool their heads."

No. 7: "Letting more people know about the Dark Forest is also a dangerous affair. Why do you think we would agree?"

Lin Sen: "You're wrong, the Dark Forest Deterrence being in the hands of all of humanity is more beneficial for you than if it's just in the hands of a few of us."

No. 7: "I see now. The more people know about the deterrence, the less intimidating it becomes. The most crucial point is that we fear you even more.

"We will cooperate with you in having a negotiation in front of all of humanity."

This Tea Ceremony Meeting seemed to have discussed nothing, yet everything was discussed.

Lin Sen didn't ask for the Waterdrops to leave the Solar System, nor did he request the Trisolaran Interstellar Fleet to change course.

Lin Sen didn't want the Waterdrops to leave; if they were gone too long, perhaps many would forget they came to invade.

The Trisolaran Interstellar Fleet might no longer pose a threat to humanity; their coming to the Solar System might even be better.

Additionally, Lin Sen discussed many gender issues, partly to express willingness to cooperate and partly to imply to the Trisolarans that in a period of deterrence and peace, society would inevitably move toward feminization.

If Lin Sen had predicted these future developments, he would not let them unfold unchecked. When the Trisolarans planned something with the "Holy Mothers" in the future, they would have to consider whether this might be another layer of Lin Sen's conspiracy.

The Tea Ceremony Meeting wasn't a negotiation, but merely an expression of his own predictions and expectations for the future; that was Lin Sen's aim.

In this conversation, aside from not lifting the Sophon-Blocked Zone, humanity achieved all other objectives. As for using the Dark Forest Theory for deterrence and demanding the Trisolarans share their advanced technology, Lin Sen strictly avoided this tactic.

Advanced technology would only enable humanity to make temporary progress in specific areas, without comprehensive development. Getting used to asking the Trisolarans for technology would turn human technology into castles built on sand, which, in the long run, would be extremely detrimental to human civilization.

Modern technology relies too much on experimental data, which is the cornerstone of current science; it's no longer the era where a few individuals could create breakthroughs with just their wit and intelligence, like centuries ago.

Besides, can humanity trust that Trisolaran technology comes without flaws?

This is like during the Great Ravine period when the Moon Base asked for technology from the Earth Alliance. In the long term, this was very disadvantageous for the Moon Base; Lin Sen's plan was also to temper the Earth Alliance.

Simultaneously, this served as a rehearsal for the current situation, showing humanity the serious consequences that could arise from an over-reliance on others' technology.

Some may think we only need some key technology, so that humanity could quickly match Trisolaris in battle.

The idea is correct, but who can be sure what technology is pivotal and whether there are unseen traps in these technologies? We cannot know this.

It's not like we can let the Trisolarans open up their entire tech repository, can we? That would be no different from them courting their own destruction.

What we lack is vision, not the technology itself."