Ultimate Theory Revised (Part 1)

Donnie and I are big time fans of the "Ultimate Theory." We tend to think that author of this theory, Andrew Smith, captured some of the main answers and themes in Lost with amazing accuracy. But since the theory was written midway second season, it is a bit outdated. Therefore, I am beginning a series of posts that will attempt to present a more accurate and current version of Andrew Smith's original. (Donnie, if you wish to join in and write a few segments yourself, feel free to send me an email and we'll totally get this thing going.) I highly suggest reading the original theory as well as the expansion.


Part 1: Alvar Hanso


Meet Hans Ørsted:




Hans Ørsted was the scientist who discovered electromagnetism. One day when setting up materials for an experiment, he noticed that his compass moved off course when electricity flowed in the near wire from a battery he was using. This accidental observation eventually led him to publish his works and help the scientific world better understand the forces of electricity and magnetism. (For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Oersted.)


Meet Hannes Alfvén



His contribution to science - mainly in the field of electromagnetism - revolutionized how scientists view the universe, winning a Nobel Prize on the way. He spoke English, German, French, Russian, and some Spanish and Chinese; and studied oriental philosophy and religion. Alfvén participated in a variety of social issues and worldwide disarmament movements. He wrote fiction: The Great Computer: A Vision (1968) telling the story of computers taking over the world. Alfvén also spent time in the Fiji Islands. (For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannes_Alfven.)


Alfvén plus Hans Ø. equals Alvar Hanso.



(Just click to see larger view)


Alvar was convinced that the world would one day be destroyed (see Sri Lanka video). But there might be hope. Perhaps through scientific research a solution could be reached. With this in mind, he created the Hanso Foundation (anagram: Noah's Foundation). He funded a research team known as the Dharma Initiative. The purpose of this group was to save the world from destruction. Alvar knew of an island that would be perfect for the project.

How he knew about the island is still a bit of a mystery. We know through the Lost ARG that his grandfather, Magnus Hanso, was the captain of a boat that looks remarkably like the Black Rock. We also know from the map that was on the hatch wall that Magnus is buried on the island itself. Perhaps Magnus escaped the island and brought Alvar to it; perhaps Alvar was in search for his grandfather and stumbled upon the island in this pursuit. We really don't know. But we do know that the Island played apart in Alvar's history.


Soon to come: Part 2 "Collective Consciousness"