05 Feb The Seven Races in Neal Stephenson’s Seveneves

At the heart of Neal Stephenson’s Seveneves (you can find my full review of the book here) lies one of the most ambitious speculative science fiction ideas in recent memory: the reconstruction of the human race from seven surviving women—“the Eves.” After the catastrophic disintegration of the Moon and the subsequent Hard Rain that wiped out life on Earth, these seven women became the genetic forebears of all future humanity.

What makes Seveneves so fascinating is how Stephenson explores the ramifications of this genetic bottleneck, not just on a biological level but on a social, political, and ideological one. Each Eve made deliberate choices about how to modify the genetic blueprint of her descendants, leading to the formation of seven distinct races.

This article explores how these races were shaped by their respective Eve’s decisions, their unique physical and psychological traits, and how they interact 5,000 years later. Finally, we’ll touch on the controversies surrounding Stephenson’s approach to race and genetic determinism.

The Seven Eves and the Formation of the New Races

Each of the seven surviving women in space had different personalities, backgrounds, and skills. When it became clear that they would be the genetic progenitors of all future humans, they used genetic engineering to shape their descendants, prioritizing certain traits and eliminating others. Over the next 5,000 years, these genetic blueprints led to the formation of seven primary races, each with distinct cultural and biological identities.

1. Dinanss (Descendants of Dinah MacQuarie)

• Traits: Technically inclined, highly independent, problem-solving mindset.
• Appearance: Compact and muscular, well-adapted for zero-G engineering and physical labor.
• Role in Society: Engineers, asteroid miners, and roboticists; the builders of the orbital world.

Dinah MacQuarie was an engineer and roboticist specializing in asteroid mining, known for her practical mindset and adaptability. Her descendants inherited this pragmatic approach, becoming the backbone of technological innovation and space infrastructure.

Dinans are best known for their expertise in robotics and deep-space mining, often venturing into the asteroid belt for resources. Their bodies are built for endurance in low gravity, with dense muscle mass and enhanced bone structure to counteract the degenerative effects of space living. They have a strong work ethic and an aversion to bureaucracy, often clashing with the more hierarchical Ivynians and Julians.

2. Ivyns (Descendants of Ivy Xiao)

• Traits: Disciplined, hierarchical, organized, leadership-oriented.
• Appearance: Tall and athletic, with dark features and a commanding presence.
• Role in Society: Bureaucrats, strategists, and administrative leaders.

Ivy Xiao, the former commander of the International Space Station, was a leader through and through. Her focus on order, discipline, and teamwork carried over into her descendants, who became the bureaucratic elite of post-Earth civilization.

Ivyns excel in administration, governance, and large-scale planning. They believe in strict social structures, valuing efficiency and loyalty above all else. Their controlled, logical approach to problem-solving makes them excellent at crisis management, but it also means they sometimes struggle with the adaptability and creativity that define Dinans and Moirans.

3. Aïdans (Descendants of Aïda Ferrari)

• Traits: Competitive, aggressive, fiercely independent, divided into multiple subraces.
• Appearance: Dark-skinned, physically varied due to their genetic modifications.
• Role in Society: Warriors, mercenaries, rogue factions, and political disruptors.

Aïda Ferrari was the most controversial of the Eves, known for her rebellious and often antagonistic nature. Instead of creating a unified race like the other Eves, Aïda deliberately engineered multiple subraces, ensuring that her descendants would be diverse, resilient, and capable of rivaling the strengths of the other lineages.

The Aïdan Subraces

• Neoanders: To counter the physical toughness of the Teklans, Aïda introduced Neanderthal DNA into this subrace. Neoanders are physically powerful, highly strategic, and form a distinct warrior caste.
• Aretaics: These Aïdans were designed to rival the Dinanics in leadership and problem-solving. They are charismatic, assertive, and thrive in crisis scenarios.
• Jinns: The intellectual elite of Aïda’s lineage, the Jinns possess enhanced intelligence and excel in academia, strategy, and political maneuvering.
• Extats: Social manipulators and psychological experts, the Extats use charisma and emotional intelligence to influence others.
• Betas: A versatile subrace capable of fitting into various roles, serving as diplomats, spies, or enforcers.

Due to their genetic divergence, the Aïdans remain a fragmented group, often acting as mercenaries or independent factions rather than a unified political force.

4. Moirans (Descendants of Moira Crewe)

• Traits: Scientific, methodical, focused on genetics and biology.
• Appearance: Pale-skinned, with delicate features and a slender build.
• Role in Society: Geneticists, medical researchers, and human evolution pioneers.

Moira Crewe was a geneticist, and her descendants inherited her obsession with biology. Moirans are the most scientifically advanced race, constantly experimenting with new modifications and enhancements to human DNA.

Their society is built around the idea of human optimization, leading to both groundbreaking medical advances and ethical concerns. Moirans have developed extended lifespans, disease resistance, and even modifications for adapting to different gravitational environments. However, their willingness to alter genetic baselines makes them a source of unease for the more conservative races.

5. Camites (Descendants of Camila)

• Traits: Compassionate, cooperative, emotionally intelligent.
• Appearance: Expressive features, medium build, warm demeanor.
• Role in Society: Diplomats, social leaders, and cultural mediators.

Camila was known for her kindness and deep emotional intelligence. Her descendants became the peacemakers of space society, excelling in diplomacy and interpersonal relationships.

Camites hold influential positions in mediation and governance, often acting as the moral conscience in political disputes. Their focus on empathy and connection makes them well-liked, but their pacifist tendencies sometimes put them at odds with the more aggressive Aïdans and Teklans.

6. Teklans (Descendants of Tekla)

• Traits: Stoic, physically robust, highly disciplined.
• Appearance: Strong, resilient, often larger in build.
• Role in Society: Military leaders, law enforcement, security forces.

Tekla was a Russian cosmonaut with a military background, and her descendants inherited her discipline and resilience. Teklans are trained from birth for physical endurance, combat, and law enforcement.

They form the backbone of planetary security, policing the various factions and preventing outright war. Their sense of duty and order sometimes makes them rigid, but their unwavering loyalty to societal stability keeps civilization from falling into chaos.

7. Julians (Descendants of Julia Bliss Flaherty)

• Traits: Politically savvy, ambitious, strategically manipulative.
• Appearance: Highly variable, due to Julia’s use of genetic customization.
• Role in Society: Politicians, influencers, intelligence operatives.

Julia was a master manipulator, and her descendants inherited her ability to maneuver through political landscapes. Julians dominate the ruling class, using a combination of intelligence, charisma, and backroom deals to maintain control.

They are both admired and feared, seen as the architects of civilization’s power structures. Some view them as corrupt, while others argue that their strategic leadership is necessary for maintaining order.

Interactions and Conflicts Among the Races

5,000 years after the Eves’ decisions, these racial groups have evolved into separate political and social factions, often clashing over ideology, governance, and territorial claims.

• The Teklans and Aïdans frequently butt heads due to their militaristic tendencies, with the Aïdans often seen as aggressive outcasts.
• Ivynians and Julians hold much of the power, with their structured approach to governance and diplomacy.
• Dinanics and Moirans work on technological advancement, though the Moirans’ willingness to push genetic boundaries sometimes unsettles others.
• Camites serve as the glue, fostering cooperation among the groups.

The balance between these groups is fragile, reflecting how even in a carefully planned society, human nature and historical rivalries remain potent forces.

Controversy: A Vision of Eugenics?

One of the more controversial aspects of Seveneves is its handling of genetic engineering and race. Some readers see the novel as an interesting exercise in speculative genetics, while others feel that the rigid racial delineations risk reinforcing problematic ideas about inherent traits and predetermined social roles.

Critics argue that the genetic modifications verge on eugenics, with each group seemingly “bred” for a specific purpose, reminiscent of historical pseudoscience. However, supporters contend that Stephenson is not advocating for eugenics but rather exploring what might happen in a scenario where genetic self-selection becomes a necessity.

Final Thoughts

The racial landscape of Seveneves is a bold exploration of how genetic engineering could reshape humanity. While it introduces thought-provoking questions about identity and social structures, it also raises concerns about deterministic thinking and the dangers of eugenics.

Would these human subgroups thrive, or were they doomed to repeat the cycles of competition and conflict that shaped their ancestors? Stephenson leaves that question unanswered, making Seveneves a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page.