2026-09-04 06:25 UTC
Replies (3)
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@gerikson@awful.systems 2026-09-04 10:44
I’m convinced Stephenson is personally very right wing but also smart enough not to advertise it publicly.
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@picklefactory@awful.systems 2026-09-04 22:18
The main thing I have noticed, thinking back, is that his books often require an Interesting Billionaire to move the plot forward – Dodge, T.R. Schmidt, Eliza, the sultan of Kinakuta, whatever – and my suspension of disbelief can no longer always rise to the occasion on that count, even in an SF setting. Which is also I think why Anathem remains my favorite.
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@istewart@awful.systems 2026-09-05 03:32
I am reminded of Ursala Le Guinn’s remarks on SciFi authors being professional liars, not prophets. The advent of the AI bubble has made this distinction much more trenchant for me. I was already somewhat aware before, but I am now much more likely to judge someone’s character on whether they believe science fiction, broadly, is a roadmap to the future or a reflection and exploration of current conditions and historical contingencies.