It would be customary at this time of year to look back at the changes, events, and developments that occurred in the year 2023. Having read and seen hundreds of such recaps in my lifetime, I find we are rarely able to know the true impact of events until they've had more time to marinate and simmer in the juices of history. Unfortunately, by the time that occurs, we often forget to go back and truly appreciate their cumulative impact.
Here at Sci-Fi Shorts, our whole vibe is about appreciating the past glory days of science fiction literature while also looking forward by publishing engaging flash fiction about our possible futures.
Science fiction is driven and influenced by the cutting edge of the science and technology of our times. That's as true today as it's always been. One could also argue that science and technology are sometimes driven and fueled by the pure imaginations of sci-fi writers who make it our business to learn about the latest science and extrapolate it into the future. And so, it is enormously interesting to look back a few years and examine both the scientific innovations and sci-fi predictions that have stood the test of time.
How did the science influence the fiction, and vice versa? How accurately did the best sci-fi stories from that snapshot in history predict the future in which we all now live? Are we still headed down the path mapped out in the imaginations of the great sci-fi writers of the past?
Are we there yet?
One such snapshot in time that is particularly interesting is the year 1981. That year saw the emergence of two of the most transformative technologies in the history of mankind. It also spawned a brand new sub-genre of sci-fi to help explain and predict where that new science might lead. If you'd like to hear more about why that year was so pivotal for both science and fiction, I invite you to click the link below and watch our latest podcast episode at Science Fiction Review: True Names.
In the mean time, let's allow 2023 to stew a bit. Maybe in a few more years we'll look back and be able to appreciate how the science and imagination of this particular snapshot in time changed the world.