Why Hard Science Fiction
I'VE BEEN THINKING....
Everybody has their own preferences about everything. I'm an author and I have always liked hard science fiction. But, it got me to wondering. Why do people prefer hard science fiction as opposed to other genres and even different types of science fiction?
For me, I was always attracted to science. I liked things to "make sense". Fantasy, while fun to read, was never a preference. I found more pleasure for me to think ahead of what might be, and it followed logical and science boundaries. The twist in the plots had to be clever and found holes in the logic not immediately surmised.
With fantasy, you just take what the world gives you and accept it. That can be fun too. I look at it like choosing movies. Some movies you want to be scared. Some movies you watch for pure entertainment, suspending logic and things that should make sense. Fantasy is more emotional, and lots of people like that.
I think that beyond my stated preferences, hard science fiction readers probably choose this genre for mostly these reasons:
Intellectual challenge and plausibility- They like stories that respect their intelligence and adhere to physical laws. They appreciate explanations of technology and mechanics.
"What if" scenarios- Taking the ramifications of science and technology combined with the pesky tendencies of humans for trouble and discover what happens when extrapolated over time. (This is my favorite!)
Detailed world building- Hard science fiction often have realistic and detailed environments like the ecology of a world, or physics of a star. This gives a peek into the future grounded and credible.
Passion for science- Readers enjoy the research based technical nature of the writing.
Consistency- The genre ensures scientific "rules" are rigorously followed providing a satisfying logical consistency enjoyed by readers.
For many, it is not just about entertainment, but about exploring the limits of the known universe and human technology.
Jules Verne- Predicted electric submarines, videoconferencing, gas powered cars.
Arthur C. Clarke- Foresaw communication satellites, the internet, and telesurgery.
William Gibson- Coined the word "cyberspace", and predicted the widespread impact of the internet, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
H. G. Wells- Predicted automatic doors, genetic engineering.
Hugo Gernsback- Predicted RADAR in 1911.
These famous writers and many more imagined what could be. The indirect service of these soothsayers on more than one occasion were responsible for scientists to ask, "what if" and make dreams come true. The wonderment of the edge of science. That same wonderment that humans, before they could even stand on two legs, were drawn to the lights in the night sky. Knowing that it was there, but out of their reach. Space keeps us reaching, yearning.
Let me know what you think about hard science fiction and why you enjoy it.
Thanks for listening.....
