Why Thanos’ Infinity War Plan Was Misguided: The Best Theory Years Later

Even after the events of Avengers: Infinity War have been undone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thanos’ controversial strategy continues to be a topic of debate among fans. His dramatically ruthless solution to reduce the universe’s population has sparked ongoing discussions, questioning the rationale behind his infamous Snap. This pivotal moment in the Infinity Saga not only marked a significant climax for the franchise but also highlighted the complexities of his intentions. While many condemn his actions as fundamentally flawed, an interesting faction of Marvel enthusiasts argues that his underlying intentions may not have been entirely misguided.

Flaws in Thanos’ Infinity War Strategy

Thanos in full armor in Avengers Endgame

Thanos believed that eradicating half of all sentient life was a preventative measure against overpopulation and its inherent resource scarcity. He theorized that the survivors would enjoy improved living conditions and that the stress on resources would be alleviated. However, the aftermath depicted in Infinity War and Endgame starkly contradicted his predictions. In reality, the remaining population faced turmoil and devastation, as cities fell into disarray and individuals were left grappling with profound grief over the loss of their loved ones.

Upon examination, it becomes clear that the Snap introduced a greater array of problems than Thanos believed he was solving. This raises substantial criticisms of his perspective, suggesting that his reasoning was steeped in delusion. No reasonable being would suggest mass extermination as a viable solution to complex societal issues. Thanos underestimated the resilience of the surviving population, who did not simply accept their altered reality. Their insurgence ultimately contributed to Thanos’ own downfall, underscoring that his plan was deeply flawed from the outset.

Exploring the “Mad Titan”Theory

A fascinating fan theory connecting Thanos to the illness Mahd Wy’ry from the Eternals film has gained traction as a possible explanation for his actions in Infinity War. Mahd Wy’ry is a condition reminiscent of dementia, impacting one’s memories and behavior. The film portrays Thena as afflicted by this illness, resulting from her extensive memory burden due to immortality and regular memory wipes. The theory posits that Thanos, too, could have suffered from Mahd Wy’ry, with his views on overpopulation and resource depletion stemming from fragmented memories related to his experiences with Emergences.

This theory adds a nuanced layer to Thanos’ characterization as the “Mad Titan.” If he was indeed grappling with Mahd Wy’ry, it could imply that his extreme actions were a manifestation of a mind in turmoil. Nonetheless, there are significant caveats to consider, including the nature of Titan as a protector of an Eternal seed and Thanos’ own Eternal heritage. Despite these complexities, this theory offers a compelling lens through which to understand his motivations and the rationale behind his drastic measures.

Thanos’ failure to realistically address the consequences of his actions.
Overpopulation, resource management, and ethical complexities in decision-making.
The implications of potential mental illness on his judgment.

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