Bill Conrad's Blog - Posts Tagged "science-fiction"
If Aliens Arrive, Science Fiction Will Change
We all like stories like Star Wars with its amazing reality full of crazy creatures. We also like earth biased science fiction such as Back to the Future. How amazing would it be to travel through time?
Science fiction is loosely based on the possibility of amazing technology such as warp drives, transporters, cloaking devices, time travel, holographic people, intelligent robots and phasor rifles. It is accepted that there are all kinds of crazy lifeforms could be possible like Chewbacca, green blooded Spock, the half-robot Borg or the all-powerful Q who can do anything. At the other spectrum are the characters like Superman who can fly, Iron man who has a nuclear reactor in his chest or Deadpool who cannot die. We also have the magic characters like Harry Potter with his magic wand.
However, there is a potential problem. Someday, an alien spaceship might land and a bunch of people from another world walks out. On that day, we are going to learn a bunch of facts about how the universe really works. That will be an amazing day full of fantastic discoveries.
However, it will be a bad day for science fiction writers. Scientists have already proven that many of the technologies we interweave into science fiction don’t exist. Transports, time travel? Probably not. Amazing aliens? Biologists have clearly shown that evolution prefers basic beings with practical features. Green blood, telepathy, X-ray vision? Never. Half robot cyborg? Impractical. Superheroes with super abilities? Nope. Magic spells? Definitely not.
The day after the aliens arrive, humans will be faced with a stark reality. The science fiction concepts we cherish will be proven incorrect. Readers and movie audiences will suddenly have to make a big change. Beloved story’s like Star Wars will instantly become an outdated awaked comedy. The powerful image of Superman will be relegated to an amusing children’s story of the past.
Does this mean that all science fiction writers be out of a job? Or will they have to make a huge adaptation to the new facts about the actual universe? The core strength of being human is the ability to adapt. The likely outcome of an alien landing will be a renaissance of “earth fiction” where science fiction writers have to radically adapt their “universe” to the correct reality.
For example, the “Star Trek Universe” would get a reboot and confirm the boring technology that’s actually possible and limit the scope the few actual alien worlds. The superhero universe would be limited to characters like Batman who is an actual person with no superhuman abilities. For those remaining fans who appreciated superheroes, magic and “nostalgic science fiction,” it would take a much further leap to enjoy works of this type. For example, Superman would only exist in a completely different universe where there is no earth and super abilities are possible.
To me, this possibility is scary because my first and second book series have science fiction aspects. This included including aliens and alien technology. Would my books become as obsolete as the typewriter? Would they be relegated to the new book section called “not recommended classics?” Yes, they would. Wow, is that a depressing thought. Maybe on the day after aliens land, all science fiction authors could attend a book/comic/DVD burning event. Bummer.
At the same time, I would love to know how the universe actually works. Meeting lifeforms from other worlds. What an epic learning opportunity. I guess in the end, I’m torn. Alright, truth. I worked hard on my books. Hey aliens. Stay away from earth!!!
Science fiction is loosely based on the possibility of amazing technology such as warp drives, transporters, cloaking devices, time travel, holographic people, intelligent robots and phasor rifles. It is accepted that there are all kinds of crazy lifeforms could be possible like Chewbacca, green blooded Spock, the half-robot Borg or the all-powerful Q who can do anything. At the other spectrum are the characters like Superman who can fly, Iron man who has a nuclear reactor in his chest or Deadpool who cannot die. We also have the magic characters like Harry Potter with his magic wand.
However, there is a potential problem. Someday, an alien spaceship might land and a bunch of people from another world walks out. On that day, we are going to learn a bunch of facts about how the universe really works. That will be an amazing day full of fantastic discoveries.
However, it will be a bad day for science fiction writers. Scientists have already proven that many of the technologies we interweave into science fiction don’t exist. Transports, time travel? Probably not. Amazing aliens? Biologists have clearly shown that evolution prefers basic beings with practical features. Green blood, telepathy, X-ray vision? Never. Half robot cyborg? Impractical. Superheroes with super abilities? Nope. Magic spells? Definitely not.
The day after the aliens arrive, humans will be faced with a stark reality. The science fiction concepts we cherish will be proven incorrect. Readers and movie audiences will suddenly have to make a big change. Beloved story’s like Star Wars will instantly become an outdated awaked comedy. The powerful image of Superman will be relegated to an amusing children’s story of the past.
Does this mean that all science fiction writers be out of a job? Or will they have to make a huge adaptation to the new facts about the actual universe? The core strength of being human is the ability to adapt. The likely outcome of an alien landing will be a renaissance of “earth fiction” where science fiction writers have to radically adapt their “universe” to the correct reality.
For example, the “Star Trek Universe” would get a reboot and confirm the boring technology that’s actually possible and limit the scope the few actual alien worlds. The superhero universe would be limited to characters like Batman who is an actual person with no superhuman abilities. For those remaining fans who appreciated superheroes, magic and “nostalgic science fiction,” it would take a much further leap to enjoy works of this type. For example, Superman would only exist in a completely different universe where there is no earth and super abilities are possible.
To me, this possibility is scary because my first and second book series have science fiction aspects. This included including aliens and alien technology. Would my books become as obsolete as the typewriter? Would they be relegated to the new book section called “not recommended classics?” Yes, they would. Wow, is that a depressing thought. Maybe on the day after aliens land, all science fiction authors could attend a book/comic/DVD burning event. Bummer.
At the same time, I would love to know how the universe actually works. Meeting lifeforms from other worlds. What an epic learning opportunity. I guess in the end, I’m torn. Alright, truth. I worked hard on my books. Hey aliens. Stay away from earth!!!
The Great Material Continuum
Writers have created many beautiful concepts to pull readers into their imaginary stories. Harry Potter uses his magic wand, Scooby Doo munches Scooby Snacks, Deadpool cannot die, Neo enters The Matrix, and toys are alive in Toy Story.
I wanted to explore a literary invention developed for Star Trek. Writers created the race, Ferengi, and while initially loathsome, they evolved over several episodes into a quirky, likable, ultra-capitalistic race. In one episode, the writers described a Ferengi religion, which was not based on superior beings but on the economy. The following is a quote from this website:
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/...
“The Ferengi saw the universe as having millions of worlds, all with too much of one and not enough of the other, with the Great Material Continuum flowing through them all like a mighty river, from having to want and back again. As such, it was the force that bound the universe together. You had to have your ship navigate the Continuum with entrepreneurial skill and grace to get everything you desire. This meant that material taken from one area had to be replaced or paid for through another means while avoiding obstacles and pitfalls. If one region had a shortage of one type of good but a surfeit of another, while another region had too much of the former good and a shortage of the latter, then the Great Material Continuum would carry the excess of the one region to ease the dearth in the other.”
On the surface, the concept is not too interesting. Still, the more I thought about it, the more I began to understand that The Great Material Continuum might be one of the most creative literary inventions ever. So, let’s dive into my bonkers thoughts.
What kind of religion would a mega-capitalistic society require? A capitalistic one. Yes and no. The Great Material Continuum challenges its followers to go further, try harder, be flexible, be ruthless, learn from failure, embrace victory, and begin again. No superior beings, temples, rules, commandments, holy books, priests, scriptures, or guides exist. The Great Material Continuum at its face and core is the unwavering belief that the perfect deal exists.
I find the level of clarity to be unique. It is a pure belief that endless interacting circles of inventory float through the universe, and if a person believes in The Great Material Continuum, they can become one with the economy. However, the concept is more profound. Profit is the Ferengi’s ultimate desire, yet The Great Material Continuum does not mention the word. It is the passionate vision that a perfect transaction is not only out there, but every Ferengi has it within their being to achieve it.
Let’s examine an earth religion. If you pray to X and do Y, your prayers might get answered. It is up to the followers to see and understand the result. This effort is not necessary for followers of The Great Material Continuum. It provides tangible results you can put in your bank account, translating into logical and instant gratification.
Earth religions require hours of study for their followers to understand passages in the religious books fully. Let’s examine this quote I found on a “top 100” Bible verse site: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24” And this one from a “top 100” Quran quote site: “There certainly has come to you a messenger from among yourselves (i.e. Prophet Muhammad). He is grieved by your suffering, anxious for your well-being, and gracious and merciful to the believers. — 9:128” We could compare, debate, and discuss these quotes for hours. What is the real meaning? How does this affect me? Which religion is better? You will not find that kind of ambiguousness within The Great Material Continuum. You know the path you have followed when the deal concludes.
Let’s get creative. How about a mathematical (science fiction) society? Their religion is called “the perfect equation.” It proclaims the ultimate proof. (I made a math joke.) That’s the same literary invention as The Great Material Continuum. Right? No, because there is no tangible challenge. Where is the risk or the reward? To do math? Kids hate math but love money because it can buy candy. And there is the hook. Money is universal but elusive.
What does it all mean? Should we put on costumes like the fictional Ferengi’s and become merchants? No. The true meaning behind The Great Material Continuum is that writing and examining the result is fun.
You’re the best -Bill
March 13, 2024
I wanted to explore a literary invention developed for Star Trek. Writers created the race, Ferengi, and while initially loathsome, they evolved over several episodes into a quirky, likable, ultra-capitalistic race. In one episode, the writers described a Ferengi religion, which was not based on superior beings but on the economy. The following is a quote from this website:
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/...
“The Ferengi saw the universe as having millions of worlds, all with too much of one and not enough of the other, with the Great Material Continuum flowing through them all like a mighty river, from having to want and back again. As such, it was the force that bound the universe together. You had to have your ship navigate the Continuum with entrepreneurial skill and grace to get everything you desire. This meant that material taken from one area had to be replaced or paid for through another means while avoiding obstacles and pitfalls. If one region had a shortage of one type of good but a surfeit of another, while another region had too much of the former good and a shortage of the latter, then the Great Material Continuum would carry the excess of the one region to ease the dearth in the other.”
On the surface, the concept is not too interesting. Still, the more I thought about it, the more I began to understand that The Great Material Continuum might be one of the most creative literary inventions ever. So, let’s dive into my bonkers thoughts.
What kind of religion would a mega-capitalistic society require? A capitalistic one. Yes and no. The Great Material Continuum challenges its followers to go further, try harder, be flexible, be ruthless, learn from failure, embrace victory, and begin again. No superior beings, temples, rules, commandments, holy books, priests, scriptures, or guides exist. The Great Material Continuum at its face and core is the unwavering belief that the perfect deal exists.
I find the level of clarity to be unique. It is a pure belief that endless interacting circles of inventory float through the universe, and if a person believes in The Great Material Continuum, they can become one with the economy. However, the concept is more profound. Profit is the Ferengi’s ultimate desire, yet The Great Material Continuum does not mention the word. It is the passionate vision that a perfect transaction is not only out there, but every Ferengi has it within their being to achieve it.
Let’s examine an earth religion. If you pray to X and do Y, your prayers might get answered. It is up to the followers to see and understand the result. This effort is not necessary for followers of The Great Material Continuum. It provides tangible results you can put in your bank account, translating into logical and instant gratification.
Earth religions require hours of study for their followers to understand passages in the religious books fully. Let’s examine this quote I found on a “top 100” Bible verse site: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24” And this one from a “top 100” Quran quote site: “There certainly has come to you a messenger from among yourselves (i.e. Prophet Muhammad). He is grieved by your suffering, anxious for your well-being, and gracious and merciful to the believers. — 9:128” We could compare, debate, and discuss these quotes for hours. What is the real meaning? How does this affect me? Which religion is better? You will not find that kind of ambiguousness within The Great Material Continuum. You know the path you have followed when the deal concludes.
Let’s get creative. How about a mathematical (science fiction) society? Their religion is called “the perfect equation.” It proclaims the ultimate proof. (I made a math joke.) That’s the same literary invention as The Great Material Continuum. Right? No, because there is no tangible challenge. Where is the risk or the reward? To do math? Kids hate math but love money because it can buy candy. And there is the hook. Money is universal but elusive.
What does it all mean? Should we put on costumes like the fictional Ferengi’s and become merchants? No. The true meaning behind The Great Material Continuum is that writing and examining the result is fun.
You’re the best -Bill
March 13, 2024
