Meaning of Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever from Barbie

Posted by Lorie Orum on Friday, May 17, 2024

In the penultimate moments of the movie 'Barbie', an impactful exchange unfolds between the iconic doll, Barbie, and her creator, Ruth Handler. The line, "Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever," is spoken with a poignancy that pierces the heart of the narrative, embedding itself into the consciousness of the audience. But what is the deeper truth hidden within this potent statement?

Firstly, the obvious implication of the quote is a commentary on mortality and the enduring power of concepts. In the narrative scope of the film, the words serve as an awakening for Barbie, who hitherto had been grappling with her identity and purpose. Here, Ruth Handler's statement serves as an epiphany, reminding Barbie that while human existence is temporal and finite, ideas - the abstract constructs of the human mind - can span epochs, influencing and inspiring generations long after the human vessels are gone. This truth prompts Barbie's decision to transition from being an idea (a toy) to becoming a human, to experience the one ending that is uniquely human – mortality.

However, the layered dimensions of this quote can be further dissected to expose deeper meanings.

One can see an allegorical connection between this quote and the Greek myth of the Titan Prometheus. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a god who defied the divine order by stealing fire from Olympus and giving it to humans. This 'fire' can be interpreted as an idea – a powerful, transformative force that would alter humanity forever, regardless of Prometheus's fate at the hands of Zeus.

In the context of 'Barbie', Barbie herself can be seen as a contemporary Prometheus. She is a symbol, an idea that has illuminated the lives of countless children with dreams of potentiality and self-expression. Despite facing trials in the form of patriarchy and internal self-doubt, Barbie, like Prometheus, chooses to ignite the world, one child at a time. Through this lens, Handler's quote implies that even if Barbie, the physical entity, is finite, her influence as an idea is boundless and immortal.

Moreover, the quote's profound resonance can also be traced to the Taoist philosophical tradition, notably in the teachings of the sage Chuang Tzu. The concept of the "Uncarved Block" or "P'u" in Taoism refers to things in their original nature, prior to the imprint of societal expectations or conventional definitions. This state of pure potentiality can be equated with 'ideas', while the act of carving signifies the process of birth and death, making the uncarved block akin to humans with their singular ending.

In 'Barbie', the protagonist embarks on a journey from being an 'Uncarved Block', an undefined entity, towards self-realization and embodiment. The Kens, on the other hand, represent societal impositions that threaten to 'carve' the Barbies into their patriarchal mould. Barbie’s choice to resist this imposition and define her existence in her own terms echoes Chuang Tzu's philosophy, adding another layer of meaning to Ruth's statement.

While the film 'Barbie' provides a vibrant, entertaining canvas, it's through the potent quote, "Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever," that the movie delves into philosophical depths. In capturing the duality of existence and the immortality of concepts, it leaves audiences with a resonating truth to ponder long after the screen fades to black. This is the power of Barbie, the enduring idea, inspiring infinite narratives within her finite form.

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