November is most well-known for being NaNoWriMo, but it’s also the month that some of us celebrate science fiction. RinnReads started it a few years ago, and it’s gaining ground. You can click here for more info. Now, I won’t be going as full-fledged into this as I did horror for October, but it’s worth noting.
So, this fifth entry comes to you from Ray Bradbury. Bradbury’s most notable work, for me at least, was Fahrenheit 451, but he was a prolific writer who gave us almost 50 books, along with short stories and whatnot during the course of his career.
Bradbury’s story of how he started writing is a fun one in which magicians play a role. Specifically, one who proclaimed “Live Forever!”
Why did I choose it?
Because Ray Bradbury nails it, of course. I’ve said it before, when I talked about reasons I loved science fiction and horror. Science Fiction gives me hope. It provides an opportunity for humanity to reach for the stars, to become more than what we are. If humanity can get its thumb out of its rear, we might actually make something of ourselves. Science Fiction gives a glimpse into that future.
Personally, I think it’s more likely that we’ll wipe ourselves out long before we ever get to that point. But, hey, happy thoughts only!
Science Fiction Inspires Scientists.
One of the kids books that I’m currently reading for review has a great opening section on science fiction and it’s impact.
“Sci-Fi does more than just ask questions, though. It sparks imaginations. It inspires some people to act. Some inventors read sci-fi. Then they ask “Why NOT build a robot?” or they make a bionic arm. They figure out how to make something disappear. They invent, engineer, and discover They turn science fiction into science fact.” – How Things Work by T.J. Resler, National Geographic for Kids
When I look at some of the things we see in science fiction both on the screen, and in books, I can’t wait. Other stuff, like near immortality, scares the crap out of me.
What about you? What’s your opinion on science fiction?
