Unlike other genres, the best examples of the work and ideas of science fiction authors are often found in the short story. A frequent criticism is that science fiction is short on characterization and long on gimmicks and ideas. Much science fiction is thesis fiction, bearing a statement about science fact, human nature, man in relation to nature or the universe. Therefore, science fiction is considered by critics to be the most philosophical, poetical, intellectual and religious of the genre fictions. It is concerned with the mystery of humankind in its basic nature and humanity.
Science fiction expresses faith in human ingenuity, human intelligence and the human spirit.
Technology is considered in terms of service to mankind and the natural world. The end is to enhance the quality of life. Included in the following list are most of the winners of the Hugo and Nebula awards, the top prizes in the science fiction world. Not included are the classic authors of the field - Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and others. C.J. Cherryh, Arthur C. Clarke, Hal Clement, Samuel R. Delany, Lester Del Rey, Phillip K. Dick, Harlan Ellison, Phillip Jose Farmer, William Gibson, Harry Harrison, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Henry Kuttner, Ursula Le Guin, Richard Matheson, Anne McCaffrey, Michael Moorcock, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Robert Silverberg, Harry Turtledove, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Margaret Weis, and Roger Zelazny.