In 3 Body Problem, the Wallfacer Project is created to make use of an advantage that humans have over the San-Ti.
With the help of their Sophons, San-Ti can watch and listen to humans all the time. Whatever plans humans come up with, San-Ti will know about them, putting humans at a huge disadvantage.
However, amidst the preparations for the Staircase Project, Thomas Wade realizes that San-Ti can only watch and listen to them; whatever humans are, they are because of their brains.
San-Ti can’t read the minds of humans, and their brains can become the ultimate weapon against the San-Ti.
The Wallfacers
In the finale of 3 Body Problem, Saul Durand is invited to a conference the Planetary Defense Council holds, during which the Wallfacer Project is announced.
The Wallfacer Project aims to take advantage of the fact that Sophons can’t read human minds. Humans can still keep secrets.
The PDC has chosen three people to formulate and direct strategic plans. These three will develop those plans entirely in their own minds, sharing them with no one until the time is right to execute them.
The chosen candidates are called the Wallfacers, named after the ancient Buddhist name for meditators.
The Wallfacers will be granted great authority, allowing them to exploit the resources humans have.
As long as they violate no international laws, the Wallfacers will never need to explain their actions and commands, regardless of how incomprehensible their behavior may be.
The first of the three chosen Wallfacers is General Hou Bolin, whose books on military history are taught around the world. He has proven his expertise both in winning conflicts and in peacefully ending them.
The second Wallfacer is Professor Leyla Ariç, who came to prominence fighting ISIS in Raqqah. She comes with exceptional experience in fighting and winning asymmetrical battles.
Saul is chosen as the third and last Wallfacer. Even though Saul rejects the offer, the security around him is kept tight.
San-Ti see him as a strong threat, making him important for humans. Whether Saul likes it or not, the PDC will keep an eye on him.
The secretary-general doesn’t have answers for why Saul has been chosen. All she says is that he will likely find out why by himself when the time is right. Following that, Saul begins embracing his life as a Wallfacer.
Also Read: The Staircase Project in 3 Body Problem explained