What an inspiring article, Matt! I agree with you that thoughtful, inspiring and uplifting speculative fiction is essential for the times we're in. Both Le Guin and Robinson offer great works that invite us to consider our world in new ways by imagining ourselves in different worlds or our from different perspectives. Fiction can be so much more vibrant and lively, inviting and awakening, that people simply arguing over who is right about some idea. Their novels aren't arguments, they are invitations to possibility - something we all need right now!
Many thanks for your kind comments. Yes, fiction can open doors into other worlds and other ways of seeing the world. In some ways, I think storytelling is a more effective way to explore ideas about different kinds of society than 'heated debates,' which often seem to go nowhere. Podcast: I'm in the early stages, but it's been part of the plan for Cataclysmic since the start. Watch this space!
What an inspiring article, Matt! I agree with you that thoughtful, inspiring and uplifting speculative fiction is essential for the times we're in. Both Le Guin and Robinson offer great works that invite us to consider our world in new ways by imagining ourselves in different worlds or our from different perspectives. Fiction can be so much more vibrant and lively, inviting and awakening, that people simply arguing over who is right about some idea. Their novels aren't arguments, they are invitations to possibility - something we all need right now!
And I LOVE the podcast idea!
Hi Vishwam --
Many thanks for your kind comments. Yes, fiction can open doors into other worlds and other ways of seeing the world. In some ways, I think storytelling is a more effective way to explore ideas about different kinds of society than 'heated debates,' which often seem to go nowhere. Podcast: I'm in the early stages, but it's been part of the plan for Cataclysmic since the start. Watch this space!