»Hamann was the previous One«

These are some theories of my own:

I am interested in Counselor Hamann,. My first theory is that he was the previous "one" a theory supported by the fact that he is old, perhaps even over 100. he says that he "slept for the first 11 years of my life" this means he was freed when he was 11, like the first movie said, "we don't like to free a mind once it's hit a certain age". It is doubtful a boy of 11 could grasp such a lofty concept of the world being fake, other examples of this were all teenagers (Animatrix:Kid's Story) meaning he was freed for a reason, perhaps because he was the one, in some previous matrix, by some previous morpheus-type character, then returned to the source and "rebuild zion" as the architect put it, or as morpheus put it in M1 "freed the first of us", this would explain why he is a high-ranking member of the city, he was it's founder.

Also, I think the matrix is a prison within a prison. I think the "Real world" is another matrix, another system of control built by the architect to deal with the "eventuality of an anomaly, which, despite my sincerest efforts, I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision." Evidence to support this includes the architect's statement that "While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control". As well as neo's sudden ability to use "One"-like powers outside the matrix when he destroys that sentinel chasing the Nebuchadnezzar's crew.

This leads me to my third theory, that Hamann, the afore mentioned counselor that I thought might be the previous "one", might instead be a program to oversee the "systemic anomoly". Proof of which may lie in his remarks to neo in the machine room.

"Almost no one comes down here, unless, of course, there's a problem. That's how it is with people - nobody cares how it works as long as it works."

"I like to be reminded this city survives because of these machines. "

"down here sometimes I think about all those people still plugged into the Matrix and when I look at these machines, I.. I can't help thinking that in a way, we are plugged into them."

"Neo: But we control these machines, they don't control us.
Councillor Hamann: Of course not, how could they? The idea's pure nonsense, but... it does make one wonder just... what is control?"

This doesn't sound like the words of a machine-hating rebel to me. Either he is a program or a previous "One", or Possibly he is both, Since the "Real world" hypothetically speaking, is another matrix, then Neo and the other "one"s may all be programs, meant to deal with the systemic anomoly of people who choose not to accept the original matrix. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BAD THING. the architect said: "Your 5 predecessors were, BY DESIGN, based on a similar predication - a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the One. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific - vis a vis love." This is one of the many ways in reloaded that Neo is described as different from his predecessors, his love for trinity is a variation of the general attachment felt by other "One"s and caused him to choose differently his predecessors apparently did. This may mean that Neo will do whatever it takes to assure the safety, and probably freedom, of the woman he loves, and maybe, the rest of the species.

1. That may very well be. But maybe he was one of the orgininal 23 people the one had to choose. Your guess is as best as mine.
2. That could be too. It it not absurd, but it does get complicated, and that's why I think the WAchowski bros will keep the real world the real world. For all you know, the humans won against the machines, and controlled them again. And then, in an effort to escape reality, ordered the machines to create the matrix to live in a world better than their current one. THen the One was accidently created, mistook the Matrix as a prison and set them free, and the resistance was formed. THe Zionists could be just unaware of it.
AS far the stopping the sentinels, I saw another post which had a good theory. When Smith possessed Bane in the real world it destablized the real world abd allowed for the rules to be broken.
3. Or he may be just a very wise person.

Counselor Haman brings up a point that has been echoed by many SF writers during the past century. Can an individual who has grown accustomed to living in a technologically comfortable world, do so without those benefits. Can you or I even hope to build a functioning internal combustion engine or power generator on our own. (I know I couldn't.) A technologically advanced society is built on the skills of many.

But, what if everything was built by something so superior that we couldn't fathom it's function. Or for that matter, fix it when it broke. On the flip side, how many utopian societies that were built on the premise that technology is unmanageable and must be abolished actually survived. Or how did the plight of the Luddites progress when they tried to destroy the knitting machines around them?

Haman's wisdom is in the fact that our lives our intertwined with the machines of our making. He accepts that and knows that their proper functioning does control our lives to a degree. It seems that every soliloquay in the movie goes to the idea of control - real or perceived, independet or contrived. It just boils down to how comfortable any one is with the idea that some other force always controls our collective destinies.

I don't think Hamann is the previous One. I think he is one of the freed 23. I also think the council is composed by the 23. However, it might be less than 23 now, because some may have died.

Morpheus: When the Matrix was first built, there was a man born inside who had the ability to change whatever he wanted, to remake the Matrix as he saw fit. It was he who freed the first of us, taught us the truth. As long as the Matrix exists the human race will never be free. After he died the Oracle prophesied his return and that his coming would hail the destruction of the Matrix and the war, bring freedom to our people. That is why there are those of us who have spent our entire lives searching the Matrix looking for him. I did what I did because I believe that search is over

The reason I thought Hamann might be the previous one/a program, is that he was featured in the film in such a manner to suggest a significance beyond that of just a politician, plus I sense he is withholding something everytime I see him onscreen. It's just a feeling, I can't be sure, but it is my bet he will return in the third film with a more substantial role than was revealed by reloaded.

Another thing, I'm sure the rest of you caught this if you've played "Enter the matrix". Persephone said to Ghost that it was sad that the woman he loves belongs to another. It later became obvious to me that she was referring to Trinity. It was a little obvious, so I'm sure I am not saying anything you don't already know.

^^^^ sorry about the "guest" thing, that was me ^^^^

Anonymous wrote:

The reason I thought Hamann might be the previous one/a program, is that he was featured in the film in such a manner to suggest a significance beyond that of just a politician

I also do believe he is more than just a member of the council. Maybe an agent?

Yup, manipulated choice once again. Being hauled down the engineering level in the middle of the night didn't happen been coincidence. Either the Wachowskis were trying to make a general point about man-machine interdependence, or there was more to Haman than met the eye. Hide the solution in plain sight while disguising it at the same time.

According to Morpheus , the previous "one" must have been dead in order for the next one to come . So Haman could not be a previous "one" .
Then again , this wouldn't explain how the Merovinsian is still alive .

just my 2 testicles on the issue.

I was looking at this link: