I think Discover Magazine has someone on their staff who enjoys and/or appreciates science fiction and how it has played a part in scientific progress since they’ve done quite a few articles on the topic. Of course, they also did an article on why science fiction might become an obsolete genre eventually, once real-life science overtakes it, but that’s an entirely different debate.
What I wanted to point out today is this list they put out of 20 things you didn’t know about science fiction. There’s some intriguing items on this rundown of factoids.
For instance, did you know that after Philip K. Dick’s death, fans built an android lookalike that could mimic his mannerisms and quote the famous author? Not only that, the android was subsequently lost in 2005 between airplane flights, due to some baggage mishandling and hasn’t been recovered since.
No, Josh, I had no idea, you say. Well good, I’m glad you’ve learned something today.
Here’s another thing then: Apparently, Ray Bradbury makes it a point of pride to claim that he has never driven a car, and avoids using computers and ATMs.
Why? I have no idea. If you get to meet him, maybe you should ask.
Anything else on this list surprise/shock you? Anyone know all this already?
I see that smile.
Someone should write a science fiction story about Philip K. Dick having his brain transplanted into a robot upon the death of his body. His fans initially protect him, but then start forcing him to perform for them as a money-making endeavour. Eventually he escapes by taking advantage of his android ability to function well in an airplane’s luggage compartment.
I would, but alas: I never liked the guy’s fiction very much.