Just yesterday I wrote about my intention to read more science fiction. As if the devil were playing with it, I was gifted two books for Christmas: Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughthouse-Five and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.
I read a bit in Fahrenheit 451, and the beginning of the book immediately sets the story on fire, which was not meant to be an overly lame pun (the book is about a fireman).
I read an article on science fiction on Ted Gioia’s blog.
I started reading science-fiction books. And lots of them.
This made no sense. The last time I had taken a serious interest in science fiction was in 8th grade. The typical mid-life crisis is an attempt to recapture the magic of your late teens and twenties. And here I was revisiting a passion that had disappeared at age twelve.
I have a similar experience. I did read some science fiction as a child and adolescent, but it generally could only interest me moderately. I read books like 1948 by Orwell, Brave New World by Huxley, and A Clockwork Orange by Burgess, which, although science fiction lists, I consider more like (rather dystopian) novels of the future.
Being firmly in the beta profession, I had many friends who also read science fiction. Somehow, it seemed to me at the time to be something for betas, which doesn’t seem to be correct. Without having researched it, I would venture to say that when betas read books, it is more often science fiction than anything else.
I read a lot anyway, and also things that chafed at science fiction. The Lord of The Rings, by Tolkien, before it became popular, I think with that, but that’s probably not right. I also read The Day of the Triffids, by Wyndham (ok yet core science fiction). I read H.P. Lovecraft (more horror?). But I never really got “hooked” on the genre.
I also think it was because in high school the science fiction genre was dismissed with much disdain.
A few years ago, I started reading more science fiction. I never before read Isaac Asimov or Ray Bradbury (yes I read his On Writing – a great book). I’m definitely going to catch up on that. I’m also going to read more of Stephen King.
I ordered Twelve Tomorrows. I never really liked science fiction (exceptions like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – not even sure even that would qualify for science fiction). But I wanted re-evaluate my taste.
The twelve futures in summary:
Instead of getting electronic detention, limiting the freedom of movement, persistent criminals are blinded. as a replacement for their natural eyesight they get electronic glasses through which they can only observe a pre-filtered reality. In this augmented reality, criminals are tagged, or branded, and everyone can see these brands as a warning sign.
Biological modification of humans, first under “acupuncture anesthesia”, then in next generations through DNA modification.
Cybercrime 22h century. Electronically (remotely) scanning a person’s digital identity information to get access to a bank account.
Genetically manipulated life forms start leading their own life and thus become a threat to human life.
Modification of human behavior through electronics implants in the human brain, also allowing remote control over a person.
Human life has moved into space, to other planet amongst which Mars and the Moon. Technology like human hibernation made possible. (A bit of 2001 A Space Odyssee, hmm).
The internet of stuff, a second internet smart devices, unregulated and avoiding dictatorial suppression (already exists).
Cyborg man is synthesized with his intelligent leg and can survive his body. His personality is transferred to another computer by the soul of the leg.
Man cures from a hyperactive damaged brain, chemical drugs (SMOOTH TM) is surpassed by a nanotechnology that can enter the body through the skin when wearing a medical t-shirt.
Talented, intelligent young girl in Afghan invents a new kind of semiconductor in a repressive Afghan society.
Internet surveillance in hyperconnected world. Secret services can follow everything you see, through your eyes, extract experiences and take over control. Everybody is under this kind of surveillance.
Gene modification aimed at producing fossil gas, turns out to thrive also in the human body. But not for long, people start exploding
I found it difficult to get through the stories. Most of them sketch a dark, unpleasant future. I am trying to understand why that is. Is it because we generally tend to expect the worst of the future? Or is it maybe simply because of the dramatic needs for a story or book. Also, the science factor was not very original, and the writing not very good.
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