Or is it? Vonnegut seems to be of the opinion that knowing the truth is less important than many people think. The Bokononist creation story about the mud provides a great example of this:
"God leaned close to mud as man sat, looked around, and spoke. "What is the purpose of all this?" he asked politely.
'Everything must have a purpose?' asked God.
'Certainly,' said man.
'Then I leave it to you to think of one for all this,' said God."
'Everything must have a purpose?' asked God.
'Certainly,' said man.
'Then I leave it to you to think of one for all this,' said God."
He made beings out of the mud on a whim so that it could admire what he had done. There was no greater purpose for man, but man demanded one. The greatest irony is that man's purpose became to determine its purpose which is clear satirization of man's desire for knowledge. Bokonon even tells us directly that this search for a purpose is a hoax and yet he creates the idea of karasses and wampeters as a kind of game for his followers to entertain themselves.
Dr. Breed’s research laboratory works toward the pursuit of knowledge through “pure research.” His scientists just try to attain knowledge to no end – knowledge that may not even aid humankind in any way. In fact, Hoenikker’s invention of the bomb harmed humankind. Breed’s secretary calls science “magic” and dismisses it. She is content to live in ignorance, while many of the scientists are unhappy and driving themselves mad trying to make sense of the world. I think Vonnegut wants to give us the following message: It’s not about searching for the truth. It’s not about knowing why or how humans came to be. The only useful thing for humans to do is to find ways to be content with one’s reality.
It is human nature to want explanations and reasons for all the oddities we experience in our lives. Even though Vonnegut encourages readers to be content with what they know, or the fact that they do not know everything, I think that will only hurt us. Scientists may not be able to solve every problem, but the fact is that they are actively trying; trying to advance mankind rather than give up and accept what they know. I do agree with the point you mentioned, where Vonnegut wants humans to find ways to be content with their realities, but this is only attainable when progress is sacrificed. After spending years enjoying the technologies this progress has brought, such as cell phones, steamers to make a foamy, milk layer on my chai lattes, and medical equipment, I would rather by discontent than without these advancements.
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