When faced with certain death on an alien world, Watney's extraordinary ability to apply scientific principles to survival demonstrates how human knowledge and creativity can triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances. His ingenious solutions to problems like food production, water generation, and habitat maintenance showcase the practical applications of science in extreme situations.

Through Watney's internal monologue and log entries, we witness the psychological battle of maintaining sanity in complete isolation. His use of humor as a coping mechanism, combined with his methodical approach to problem-solving, illustrates the mental fortitude required to survive extreme isolation and constant life-threatening challenges.

The international cooperation that emerges in response to Watney's predicament highlights humanity's capacity to transcend political boundaries when faced with a common goal. The collaborative effort to rescue one stranded astronaut demonstrates how individual survival can become a unifying force for the entire human race.