And somtimes, it works. Optimistic tales, on the other hand, by their entertaining nature, attract readers. And though they may not spur the reader to take action, they can often depict worlds that the readers want to experience, and, desiring it, will create for themselves. When I was young, I watched Star Trek on television, and knew I wanted to explore the galaxy on that wonderful ship. Heinlein's Farnham's Freehold warned me of some of the dangers of nuclear war, and Orwell's 1984 showed a future that was to be strenuously avoided, but in general, it was the positive science fiction that caught, and kept, my attention.
Science fiction can warn or entice.
This editorial originally appeared in Artemis Magazine , Summer 2000, page 2. Inc. All rights reserved . Updated Fri, Jan 5, 2001. Maintained with WebSite Director by Ian Randal Strock .