Recently I was talking about the future with a friend and debating why some people feel optimistic about the future even though the current outlook may look grim at the moment. This discussion made me realize why I enjoy reading science fiction novels as well as sci-fi movies and video games. These books start with a premise that human civilization on Earth is under threat and theorizes on how the human race will act when faced with impending doom. It can get messy and ugly, and these types of fiction can span over many generations where the action of a single individual or group of individuals has tremendous consequences in the very long run. In the end, when humanity ultimately prevails and flourishes to reach unimaginable heights, I get immense satisfaction, and it gives me a lot of hope and optimism for the future. I guess I particularly like a certain type of sci-fi because I know there are dark sci-fi novels as well. I would be curious to know if others like sci-fi for the same or different reasons? Or share why they enjoy a particular genre?
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11 sats \ 0 replies \ @Rothbardian_fanatic 16h
I enjoy reading science fiction because it presents altered states of people and societies. I mean that we haven’t seen some of these types of societies, sciences or general situations, yet. It is a chance to explore some of the nitty-gritty of social systems without living them in real life. One of the greats at this was Phillip K. Dick who imagined a constellation of different social structures and ways to live in them. Also, personal relationships can be presented in a way that doesn’t offend anyone because science fiction is usually not set in the present times.
They also look at different political situations. For instance, A.E. Van Vogt wrote The Weapons Shops of Issher to examine the situation of self-defense in a society that would deny that natural right if it could. Phillip K. Dick examined what could have happened if the Nazis had won WWII. It is possible to examine those situations only through the eyes of science fiction. These are some of the reasons I read science fiction and watch science fiction movies.
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 23 Dec
Thanks for writing about this. I'm not one of those who only read non fiction. I have found plenty of truth in fiction. I am just not a sci fi reader. I have tried. I have enjoyed some Asimov and Bradbury, but I just don't want to devote my time to most of the stuff that people have recommended to me. I guess to each his own. Many people I respect mostly read sci fi, so I don't mean to sound judgmental.
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41 sats \ 0 replies \ @fishious OP 23 Dec
You don't sound judgmental at all! Sci-fi is not everyone's cup of tea. I know family members who read a lot but have absolutely no interest in sci-fi, which is totally fine. I guess my motivation for this post was to provide others a different perspective on why some people enjoy reading sci-fi. I feel like the stereotype of sci-fi readers are nerds who just want to geek out and fantasize about unrealistic science and technology lol.
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Imyourfed 23 Dec
That’s some real answer! I need someone to answer like that when I ask "Why do you like sci-fi?" Most people just say, "For fun and thrill," but your makes sense. Honestly I’m not a big fan of sci-fi because I don’t understand what’s going on or if it even matters. I’ve always enjoyed non fiction genres because I get the same thrill and enjoyment from learning cool facts if you know what I mean. But I think I should give fiction a try especially sci-fi. Any recommendations?
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @fishious OP 23 Dec
There was a SN post (#607393) linking to a Top 75 Sci-Fi Books List that might be worth checking out.
Personally, I enjoyed Seveneves by Neal Stephenson but it is in the hard sci-fi category and can be a difficult read. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a fun read that is more approachable.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @cryotosensei 18h
I enjoy watching sci fi movies, but not so sci fiction books. I think I just want the movie directors to do all the imagining for me, thus allowing me to immerse myself in the world without much effort haha
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