It was stories about the ‘mad scientist’ that kicked off genre literature, ever since Daedalus fabricated wings from feathers and wax for himself and his son Icarus. Invention is the heart of all sci-fi stories, which in turn becomes the heart of inspiration that turns science fantasy into reality. Geosynchronous communications satellites, computer worms, Segways, wall-mounted home theatres, exoskeletons, smartphones, virtual worlds, and organ harvesting were all described by sci-fi writers long before engineers turned them into reality.
Many authors are indeed engineers and scientists, Arthur C. Clarke, Edward E. “Doc” Smith, Joe Haldeman and Isaac Asimov to name just a few, making their work some of the best sci-fi out there. They get to create and test theoretical technology in fiction and at the same time, get inspired to dream up solutions in the real, current world.
Engineering is obviously fundamental to all sci-fi stories, and not only to have fantastical new technology for your characters to play with, but also to ‘engineer’ a world, a society that is victim to the ramifications to the inventions that pervade it.
Engineering is the plot device of plot devices.
Automatic City
A city designed to protect itself and maintain itself over millions of years.
The Man in the Maze, by Robert Silverberg.
Published by Avon Books in 1969
Chronoscope
A device used to see into specific internals of time.
From Legion of Time, by Jack Williamson.
Published by Astounding Science Fiction in 1938
Ice-Nine
A crystalline form of water so stable that in practical terms it would never melt.
From Cat’s Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Published by Random House in 1963
The Metaverse
A virtual universe.
Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson.
Published by Bantam in 1992
Repellor Anti-Gravity Rays
The device provides support for planet-side air travel.
Armageddon: 2419 A.D. , by Philip Frances Nowlan
Published by Amazing Stories in 1928
Rhennius Machine
A device of alien manufacture, which will reverse, or turn inside out, any object passed through its mobilator.
Doorways in the Sand, by Roger Zelazny.
Published by Harper Science Fiction in 1976
Virtual Immortality
A method for storing the mind and memories of a person, and recalling and reconstituting them at will.
Cliodynamics is a field of research that tries to apply scientific methods and mathematical models to the study of history and its patterns. It aims to explain and predict historical phenomena such as the rise and fall of empires, the cycles of war and peace, the dynamics of social movements, and the effects of cultural evolution. Cliodynamics is based on the idea that history is not random or chaotic, but follows certain laws and regularities that can be discovered and tested with data.
We are already living in Isaac Asimov‘s world. Big data already allow governments and corporations to make educated guesses at what’s coming around the corner. As this information age deepens, how will it change the way we live? Does big data ever get too big to predict anything?
This discipline is also available to writers. This blend of trends, mathematical modelling, history and sociology can open up a window into the future, turning anyone dedicated enough into a Nostradamus.
Big History, Microhistory, Macrohistory; used as a major or minor plot device, how could any writer get it wrong?
The Prime Radiant, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series
Cybernetics, the interdisciplinary study of communication and control in living organisms and machines, has long fascinated both scientists and science fiction writers alike. In science fiction, cybernetics serves as a captivating concept that explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology. It often delves into the possibilities of enhancing human capabilities through the integration of cybernetic implants, neural interfaces, and artificial intelligence.
These narratives envision a future where humans seamlessly merge with machines, allowing for extraordinary feats of strength, cognition, and connectivity. From classic works like “Neuromancer” by William Gibson to modern shows like “Black Mirror,” science fiction often examines the ethical dilemmas, existential questions, and potential consequences of a world where cybernetics reign supreme.
Whether portraying utopian or dystopian scenarios, cybernetics in science fiction offers a captivating exploration of the boundaries between humanity and technology, blurring the lines between what is real and what is artificial.
Let’s face it, we now have the technology. We can rebuild you. It’s rudimentary at the moment but scientists have proved it can be done. As more applications become possible it is hard to imagine any work of sci-fi without featuring some kind of cybernetics, cyborgs or bionics, especially if it’s already the norm in reality.
Cryonics, the practice of preserving human bodies or brains at extremely low temperatures in the hopes of a future revival, has been a fascinating subject in both scientific and speculative realms. In science fiction, cryonics often serves as a means to explore the possibilities of extending human life beyond conventional limits. It presents a concept where individuals can be frozen and preserved, awaiting a time when advanced medical technology or societal advancements can bring them back to life.
Science fiction stories frequently depict a future where cryonics is a common practice, allowing characters to embark on interstellar journeys, traverse vast expanses of time, or awaken in radically transformed societies. These narratives raise thought-provoking questions about the nature of identity, the ethics of resurrection, and the implications of defying mortality.
Whether portrayed as a utopian opportunity for a second chance or as a cautionary tale about unforeseen consequences, cryonics in science fiction provides a rich backdrop for exploring the boundaries of human existence and the longing for immortality.
This is a contentious field. There is an existing industry around this type of thing. Has been for years. Now, no one has ever revived anyone, because… there is no actual technology that has been proven to work. But people a paying big bucks for a two-way ticket without the means for the return trip. And of course, business is catering for these people with technology based on assumptions, which are based on ideas developed by science fiction writers.
A rule I use in science fiction writing is, everything is possible in this cosmos, there is always a way. Maybe freezing body tissue isn’t the right path, maybe it’s something else. It’s a challenge, and that’s why this field makes the list.
Biology is a fascinating and diverse field of science that explores the living world and its interactions. Science fiction is a genre that uses biological concepts, themes, or elements to create imaginative stories, worlds, and creatures. Some aspects of biology that are commonly found in science fiction include evolution, disease, genetics, physiology, parasitism, and symbiosis.
Disease: This is the phenomenon of organisms being affected by harmful agents or conditions, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, or environmental factors. A pandemic can be used as a plot device, a metaphor, a challenge, or a threat in science fiction stories. Some works that feature disease are Jack London’s The Scarlet Plague, Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain, and Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake.
Genetics: This is the branch of biology that studies the inheritance and variation of traits in organisms, such as genes, chromosomes, DNA, and mutations. Genetics can be used to explore themes such as identity, diversity, ethics, and power in science fiction stories. Some works that feature genetics are Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.
This field of science is a given.
Even if the story doesn’t involve alien ecosystems, a near or far-future world is an undiscovered country of new manifestations of living things, human or otherwise. What have we so far found living on this planet? Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, slime moulds, archaea. From synthetic to quantum biology, the list of organisms that can be conjured up is endless.
Brian Aldiss
Aldiss demonstrated a keen interest in the natural sciences, particularly biology, and skillfully merged it with imaginative storytelling. His works often feature richly detailed biological worlds, where exotic and alien life forms interact with human characters. Aldiss seamlessly integrates biological concepts and principles, crafting intricate ecosystems, evolutionary processes, and symbiotic relationships that add depth and authenticity to his narratives.
Whether exploring genetic engineering, ecological systems, or the implications of human evolution, Aldiss’s use of biology in fiction goes beyond mere backdrop and becomes an integral part of the story. His adept portrayal of biological themes serves to emphasize the interconnectivity of life, the fragility of ecosystems, and the profound impact of scientific advancements on humanity. Aldiss’s ability to blend biology with speculative fiction showcases his skill in bridging the realms of science and imagination, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
“Hothouse,” is set in a distant future where the Earth’s flora has evolved dramatically, and numerous unique and fascinating creatures inhabit the lush and perilous world.
Traversers: These are large, intelligent plants capable of moving and communicating with humans. They play a crucial role in the novel as characters interact and form alliances with them.
Symbiants: These creatures are a hybrid of animals and plants, combining the characteristics of both. They have the ability to photosynthesize and use their leaf-like appendages for camouflage and defense.
Bats: Bats have evolved into massive creatures, resembling pterodactyls, with a voracious appetite for the smaller creatures of the forest.
Mucoids: These slimy, amorphous beings inhabit the humid and murky depths of the forest. They possess a rudimentary intelligence and prey on smaller creatures that venture into their territory.
Sunflowers: Enormous sunflowers have evolved into towering, mobile entities. They possess rudimentary intelligence and serve as sentinels and protectors of the forest.
Fungi: Various types of fungi populate the forest, some of which are dangerous and deadly to humans. Others play a crucial role in the ecosystem, acting as decomposers and nutrient recyclers.
Carnivorous plants: There are numerous carnivorous plants throughout the forest, ranging from stationary varieties that lure in unsuspecting prey to mobile, aggressive ones capable of pursuing their targets.
Tummy-bellies: Small, slug-like creatures that serve as a primary food source for many of the larger creatures in the forest.
In Brian Aldiss’s “Helliconia” series, which consists of three novels set on a planet named Helliconia, there is a rich array of creatures that inhabit the planet’s diverse ecosystems.
Wutra Worm
The Wutra’s Worm is a colossal creature in the world of Helliconia, whose lifespan aligns with the vast cycle known as the Great Year. It is akin to a legendary dragon of Helliconia. During the summer season, the young worms take to the skies, gracefully soaring through the air. As the winter descends, the mature worms shed their wings, becoming wingless and finding refuge in an intricate labyrinth of tunnels that sprawl beneath the surface of Helliconia. These tunnels form an extensive network where the wise and weathered worms reside, braving the cold and harsh conditions of the winter season.
Phagors
The Phagors, also known as ancipitals due to their double-edged horns, are humanoid beings covered in white fur, reminiscent of mythical minotaurs. While roughly the same size as humans, they possess distinct characteristics. Their civilization, though intelligent and with its own language and culture, has never progressed beyond a hunter-gatherer stage. Originating during Helliconia’s earlier cold period, the Phagors differ from humans in several aspects. Their blood is golden instead of red, their internal organs are arranged differently, with their guts situated above their lungs, and their intellect and psychology are utterly alien. They exhibit hardiness and longevity, yet they struggle with warm conditions and water. As a Phagor ages, it gradually shrinks and undergoes keratinization, resembling a lifeless totem devoid of outward signs of life.
Bone Fever and Fat Death
Bone Fever is a viral affliction that affects Helliconia’s humans, marked by an extreme manifestation of anorexia. It spreads rapidly across the globe during the early stages of the Great Spring. Conversely, Fat Death is another disease characterized by an extreme form of binge eating, which becomes an epidemic during the late stages of the Great Autumn.
Both illnesses inflict significant suffering and have alarmingly high mortality rates. However, those who survive are left with bodies drastically altered in composition. Individuals afflicted by Bone Fever become considerably thinner, while those affected by Fat Death experience excessive weight gain and metabolic changes. Consequently, these survivors become better adapted to the forthcoming conditions of either summer or winter, respectively.
Curiously, both diseases stem from the same virus, which is carried by ticks and activated by seasonal environmental shifts. Humans unknowingly share a symbiotic relationship with the virus and, in turn, with the Phagors who harbour the ticks responsible for transmitting the virus.
Certain individuals in remote areas possess a rare immunity to the virus, rendering them outcasts in society due to their stark deviation from the prevailing physical standards—either grotesquely emaciated or morbidly obese.
The presence of Bone Fever and Fat Death in the world of Helliconia highlights the intricate interplay between humans, the virus, and the Phagors. These afflictions shape the physical and social dynamics of the population, introducing a complex web of adaptation, prejudice, and survival.
Throughout the series, Silverberg introduces readers to various fascinating creatures that inhabit this fictional realm. Here are some notable lifeforms from the Majipoor Cycle:
Vroons
A smallish, somewhat octopus-like race. Many are wizards, and they are known for the direction-finding and healing arts. Some can see the future in a limited way.HjortsA squat, bipedal race with bulging eyes and grey lumpy skin. While unattractive in appearance, they provide the bulk of the bureaucracy that keeps the vast and complex society of Majipoor operating. Some engage in mercantile activities, as well.
Skandars
A four-armed, shaggy, tall and very strong race. They can be found as cargo-handlers, teamsters and sailing ship crew. A few Skandars take up juggling, and with four arms they are unparalleled at this art. Skandars are known to be obstinate and hot-headed.
Liimen
Liimen are a three-eyed species characterized by their relatively lower level of intelligence. They primarily engage in menial tasks such as fishing, selling grilled meats, and carrying out janitorial duties within the society of Majipoor.
Su-Suheris
A mysterious tall folk with two small heads on a single neck. Through an unknown mechanism, both heads share a single consciousness. A few are great sorcerers or advisers to men of power in the government. Some Su-Suheris have psychic powers and are capable of seeing the future. They tend to be fairly aloof, and perhaps consider themselves better than the other races.
Ghayrogs
The Ghayrogs, a bipedal species with reptilian attributes such as forked tongues and serpentine black hair, are prominent inhabitants of Majipoor. The majority of their population resides in the crystalline city of Dulorn, but Ghayrogs can be encountered in various regions across the planet, with some even holding significant roles within the government. They tend to exhibit minimal emotional expression and require little to no sleep for the majority of the year.
Despite their scaly skin, the Ghayrogs are mammalian beings, distinguished by their intriguing reproductive process of laying eggs. This intriguing blend of reptilian and mammalian characteristics makes the Ghayrogs a unique species within the diverse tapestry of Majipoor.
Piurivar (also called Metamorphs or Shapeshifters)
The original inhabitants of Majipoor were the Shapeshifters, a race that initially resented the arrival of humans and engaged in a long-standing guerrilla conflict. This smouldering war persisted for centuries until Coronal Lord Stiamot took action, gathering and expelling the Metamorphs from Alhanroel, and confining them to a designated reservation on Zimroel. The Shapeshifters, characterized by bipedal forms, flat faces, and green/grey skin, possess a remarkable ability to mimic nearly any bipedal race, rendering themselves virtually indistinguishable from their chosen guise. This shape-shifting prowess greatly aided them in their struggles against early human colonists during Majipoor’s early history
One of the central creatures in the novel is the Wyrm, a powerful and enigmatic being that can shape-shift and possesses psychic abilities. The Wyrms play a crucial role in the story as they interact with human characters and navigate complex political and social dynamics. Additionally, the novel explores other fantastical elements such as telepathic communication and genetic manipulation.
Ribofunk envisions a future where genetic information becomes a currency, and human DNA is both a commodity and a source of power. In these stories, Di Filippo examines the societal and cultural shifts that occur when genetic manipulation and biotechnology reshape humanity.
Treat loyalty as though it were a currency. Power based on lesser currencies is easy to come by and even easier to lose. Power based on a hard currency backed by loyalty is difficult to achieve, but once it is, makes you invincible.
Remember, loyalty and honour work as a two-way street.
There is never a neutral role or action you can take. Every decision you make will either hinder or help you. Even doing nothing can have a positive or negative effect.
I stand before you to address a matter of utmost importance—an issue that has the potential to overshadow the most pressing challenges facing humanity. While climate change and war undoubtedly pose significant threats, the greatest danger we face is anarchy.
Anarchy, the absence of a centralized authority or system of governance, may seem like a remote concept to some. But history has shown us that when societies descend into chaos, the consequences can be catastrophic. Anarchy leads to a breakdown of law and order, creating a breeding ground for violence, injustice, and suffering.
When anarchy prevails, society loses its cohesion and the fundamental values that hold us together. The very fabric of our civilization unravels, leaving a void that is swiftly filled by chaos and self-interest. Without the structures and institutions that regulate our behavior and resolve conflicts, our collective well-being is endangered.
Consider the consequences of anarchy upon our daily lives. Our streets would become battlegrounds, as lawlessness and violence run rampant. Communities would fracture, as people retreat into enclaves of self-protection, eroding the bonds of trust and cooperation. The rights and freedoms we hold dear would be undermined, as tyranny and oppression fill the vacuum left by the absence of governance.
Moreover, anarchy threatens our progress as a species. It undermines our ability to tackle global challenges collaboratively. Without a framework for international cooperation and diplomacy, we would be left to fend for ourselves in a world that is increasingly interconnected. Climate change, poverty, inequality—these pressing issues demand collective action and global cooperation. Anarchy undermines our capacity to address them effectively.
However, it is crucial to understand that anarchy is not the same as dissent or calls for change. We must not conflate anarchy with the pursuit of social justice or the desire for a more equitable world. Indeed, peaceful protests and movements for change have played a vital role in advancing our societies. But anarchy, with its inherent chaos and absence of governance, poses a threat that must not be underestimated.
To address this looming danger, we must strengthen our commitment to the rule of law, to democratic institutions, and to the principles of justice and fairness. We must invest in education, critical thinking, and civic engagement, nurturing responsible citizens who understand the importance of social cohesion and cooperation.
It is our responsibility to reject the allure of anarchy and to work tirelessly towards building inclusive societies, where the rule of law prevails, where every individual is afforded dignity and protection, and where the rights and freedoms of all are safeguarded. We must uphold the values that have guided us thus far—values of unity, compassion, and respect for one another.
Let us recognize the profound threat that anarchy poses to mankind. Let us recommit ourselves to the principles that have allowed us to progress as a society. Together, we can build a future where justice prevails, where the rule of law is upheld, and where anarchy remains a distant memory. It is within our power to shape the destiny of humanity, and I implore each and every one of you to join this crucial endeavor.
