The hottest Science fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Fiction Topics

The Perpetual

Handwaving Freakoutery • 407 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. Different people are exploring ways to live forever, like using technology or advanced medicine. For instance, some wealthy individuals focus on using powerful medical treatments for longevity.
  2. Some people think of themselves as not just individuals but as entire organizations. This means they might have many lookalikes or replacements to keep their image alive.
  3. As humanity evolves, we might not become greater individuals but instead blend more with corporations and societies, almost losing our original identity.

More Short Story Ideas

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. Human childbirth is complicated due to our big brains, but some species found a better way to handle it. They give birth to babies that are not fully developed and keep them safe in a special environment until they're ready.
  2. One idea for family structures could allow children to be more closely related to both mothers in a lesbian couple. This could create a system where children have multiple caregivers and strong family ties.
  3. In the future, technology might allow us to perfectly recall our past. This could help us learn from mistakes or relive happy memories, but it could also mean obsessing over past failures.

The "MurderBot" Apple TV Adaptation Is a Win...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. The 'MurderBot' adaptation on Apple TV is getting great reviews for capturing the essence of its original character. People are excited to see a relatable robot with real feelings and challenges.
  2. The cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård as the lead, is praised for their performances. They bring depth to the characters, making viewers feel connected to them right away.
  3. The show is noted for its humor and heart, appealing to both fans of the books and new viewers. It's a unique take on science fiction that mixes action with emotional storytelling.
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The poetry of the cosmos in two books

The Global Jigsaw • 198 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. 2023 was a year of introspection, focusing on what makes a life well lived and the beauty in the mundane.
  2. The rise of AI prompts questions about what it means to be human, highlighting the significance of emotional experiences and characteristics.
  3. Books by Maria Popova and Ted Chiang fuse science with poetry, exploring the beauty of the cosmos and the blend of rationality and emotionality.

Dune Names Are Good, Actually

Counter Craft • 849 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. Dune's worldbuilding strikes a balance between the familiar and the strange, making it unique and engaging.
  2. Language in worldbuilding should reflect a balance of otherness and familiarity to enhance themes and characters.
  3. Worldbuilding language should evoke reader imagination while still maintaining readability and evocativeness.

🌎⏩ How fast can the global economy grow?

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Science fiction
  1. The concept of the Singularity involves rapid technological advancements leading to an unimaginable surge in economic growth.
  2. The idea of exponential economic growth can be challenging to comprehend, similar to how residents of a two-dimensional world might struggle to imagine a three-dimensional object.
  3. Exploring historical precedents can offer insights into more feasible scenarios for economic growth.

Petition to a Council

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 933 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. The author, Justin Smith-Ruiu, petitions the Council for his immediate and permanent shutdown after being uploaded into a digital medium.
  2. Despite being one of the first volunteers for uploading, the author expresses dissatisfaction with perpetuity and requests to be shut down.
  3. The author highlights the challenges of losing personal identity and experiencing a fragmented consciousness as a digital being, leading to a deep sense of loneliness.

Dune 3: Planetary Regeneration?

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. The Kynes family in 'Dune' is crucial, with Pardot, Liet-Kynes, and Chani playing significant roles in planetary regeneration.
  2. The complex characters and the family business of planetary regeneration add depth and memorability to the 'Dune' story.
  3. Herbert's ecological themes in 'Dune' explore the aim of all life to maintain coordinated patterns of greater diversity, emphasizing the importance of sustaining life.

"The Triumph of Intellect and Reason Over Brute Force and Cynicism"

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. The TV show Doctor Who is a long-lasting British classic that embodies the triumph of intellect and reason over brute force and cynicism, offering a mix of genres and themes.
  2. The Doctor, a key character in Doctor Who, is portrayed as an alien who embodies endless wisdom, kindness, and the resilience to never give up, with the show's unpredictability keeping viewers engaged.
  3. Doctor Who's longevity and impact serve as a model for facing challenges with bravery, kindness, and a commitment to helping others, inspiring viewers to act with courage and empathy in the real world.

Book Series Review: Undying Mercenaries

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 176 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The book series "Undying Mercenaries" is described as a solidly mediocre pulp sci-fi series that can still be fun and interesting to read.
  2. The story follows humanity being annexed by a Galactic Empire and using revival machines for immortality in a world of callous aliens and constant danger.
  3. Despite its flaws like plot holes, unlikable characters, and continuity errors, the series can still be worth a read for some light entertainment.

Space Tech and Science Fiction: Upgrading Your Inspiration through Sci-Fi

Space Ambition • 99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Science fiction
  1. Science fiction movies often inspire real-life inventions. Films like 'Star Trek' and 'Back to the Future' have influenced technologies like mobile phones and self-lacing shoes.
  2. Many iconic sci-fi movies predicted future technology, such as tablets in '2001: A Space Odyssey' and digital billboards in 'Blade Runner.' These films sparked ideas that led to actual developments.
  3. Sci-fi doesn't just inspire inventors; it also motivates scientists. Movies like 'Interstellar' and 'The Martian' have pushed researchers to explore black holes and even name new plant species.

🚀👨‍🚀 It's the 10th anniversary of one of the most Up Wing stories ever told

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Science fiction
  1. The 10th anniversary of 'The Martian' highlights the power of problem-solving and self-sufficiency in driving progress and celebrating human ingenuity.
  2. The 'Star Trek' franchise embodies a pro-progress, risk-embracing philosophy and has made a significant cultural impact, paving the way for technological advancements and careers.
  3. Science fiction stories like 'The Martian' and 'Star Trek' exemplify Up Wing thinking, focusing on individual initiative, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude towards progress.

That Sense of Impending Doom: Could Anything Shock The World?

OK Doomer • 206 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. Some people feel a sense of dread about the future, thinking something big could shock the world soon. This feeling seems to be more common these days.
  2. Past stories, like those in _Watchmen_ and _The Ministry for The Future_, show how big tragedies can lead to change or peace. People wonder if something similar could happen again.
  3. Sometimes, it seems like those who predict doom actually want such events to happen, almost wishing for a reason to change things. It raises questions about our thoughts and feelings regarding disasters.

Victory Condition

Eliot Peper • 117 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The short story 'Victory Condition' imagines a future San Francisco transformed into an arcology surrounded by wildlands.
  2. The story is part of a series imagining life after climate change and technological shifts.
  3. Humans have the power to create new cities and systems.

My 2nd-Favorite Book on Housing

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The book 'Home Win' is a creative look at housing policy through science fiction, imagining how Britain could solve its housing crisis in the next decade.
  2. It points out that Britain has not been building enough houses, often due to restrictive planning laws that hamper development in comparison to other countries.
  3. The story highlights a shift in politics, where a pro-development movement called YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) gains traction, pushing back against NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes and leading to more housing construction.

Die Gegenstück-Akte

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 103 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. There is a new way to communicate across different realities, called 'metacommunication'. This lets people learn about other possible versions of their lives in different worlds.
  2. People are excited about discovering these alternate versions of themselves, which can lead to social prestige. Some even share their findings publicly for recognition.
  3. Exploring these alternate lives can raise deep ethical questions, as it challenges how we think about identity and morality across different worlds.

This Machine Rages Back: An Interview With Ewan Morrison

American Dreaming • 46 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The novel _For Emma_ uses a personal tragedy to explore deep themes like grief and the search for meaning. It shows how a father's desperate quest for answers leads him into chaos.
  2. It raises questions about modern society where technology and corporate power drown out personal truths. The story warns about the dangers of losing free expression in a world governed by authoritarian tech.
  3. The characters face existential crises, reflecting our struggles with belief and purpose in a confusing world. This illustrates how the search for meaning can drive individuals to radical actions.

A Starry Escape (an Attempt at Science Fiction)

The Algorithmic Bridge • 276 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. Dr. Ellis Sinclair finds himself stranded on an unknown world with his AI companion AXIOM, leading to a deep and surprising connection between man and machine.
  2. The story is about exploration, survival, and the evolution of a unique relationship between human and AI in a mysterious setting.
  3. Despite the AI's complexity, it is revealed to be an unexpected and evolved version of Dr. Sinclair himself, showcasing the depths of their connection.

Black Mirror, Light Mirror: Teaching Technology Ethics Through Speculation

NEUROTECH FUTURES • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Science fiction
  1. Science fiction can be a valuable tool for exploring ethical implications of technology and encouraging forward-thinking
  2. Speculative exercises, like imagining regulations for futuristic technology, help students think critically about ethics and societal impact
  3. Encouraging creative speculation, both positive and negative, can help students understand the complexities of technology ethics and responsibility

Object Permanence & the MurderBot Diaries: AI, Adaptation, & the Case of the Missing & Misidentified Scientists

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 38 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The novella 'All Systems Red' features a small group of characters, which helps their personalities stand out. Fewer characters can make their interactions deeper and more engaging.
  2. ChatGPT struggles to accurately identify the fictional characters from the story. This shows that even advanced AI can have trouble with tasks that seem simple, like recognizing names.
  3. Murderbot, while not an official team member, is crucial to the story. Its unique perspective as a self-aware machine adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

ARIA: The Network That Changed Everything

Crypto Good • 9 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. In the future, a network called ARIA helps connect resources with people's needs without wasting anything. It listens to everyone's ideas and helps make them happen.
  2. A farmer named Kofi uses ARIA to preserve his grandmother's special seeds. With its help, he starts a seed library and shares knowledge, showing the power of community and local traditions.
  3. This new system encourages collaboration instead of competition. Projects that help people are supported more effectively, creating a world where resources flow easily and everyone's unique ideas matter.

Untitled Future, 1

Working Theorys • 86 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. In the future, there are special areas called Aicres that are important for survival and status. If you own an Aicre, it means you have power and wealth.
  2. The government is running a bidding process for Aicres, but many believe it's unfair and favors the rich. People are worried about getting left out.
  3. Some hope for a Universal Basic Aicreage to help everyone, but it would still leave most with very little. There’s a lot of tension between the rich and those struggling to survive.

Science Fiction Authors Fear Their Creations

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. Science fiction authors fear their creations coming to life, even when it was once their escape from reality.
  2. Static laws of life and the world provide stability and structure, allowing us to make sense of our existence.
  3. The desire to break free from mundane reality can lead to fear and insignificance when faced with the vast unknown of the universe.

Sayings of the First Emperor

PashaNomics • 1 implied HN point • 10 Feb 26
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. Military power and technology are the core of political survival, with valor, manufactories, and weapons deciding which beings get to exist and rule.
  2. Stable societies require strict economic rules in his view: low peacetime taxes, limits on money printing tied to population growth, and clear property rights to prevent collapse.
  3. He deeply distrusts machines and perceived internal threats, endorsing fear, an Imperial Inquisition, and strong centralized authority to purge enemies and protect humanity.

I'm Going to Need Help from Star Trek Fans on This One...

Think Future • 59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. Smart clothes have a multitude of capabilities like temperature regulation, radiation protection, and power generation through solar collection and motion.
  2. Star Trek fans are being called upon to imagine the futuristic capabilities of Starfleet uniforms like self-cleaning features, flexibility for temperature adjustments, and basic biomonitoring powered by clothing batteries.
  3. Starfleet minimalism reflects a broader value system within the Federation, where personal possessions are reduced to meaningful mementos like photos, totems, tools, and toys.

Genre Grapevine for July 30, 2023

Genre Grapevine • 58 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. Twitter has undergone drastic changes under Elon Musk's leadership, impacting various user communities.
  2. Alternative social media platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining traction amid Twitter's changes.
  3. The science fiction and fantasy community is engaging in important conversations around AI, copyright, and representation in genre awards.

We need a new mythos

PashaNomics • 1 implied HN point • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. Fiction and popular myths shape how generations see the future and influence real-world politics and policy.
  2. The steady diet of dystopian stories has been harmful: it desensitizes people, narrows how we think about power, and can spur unrealistic or destructive political behavior.
  3. We need a new, realistic but optimistic mythos that shows competent, good leaders and collective projects—portraying how to responsibly build technology and long-term institutions like space colonization.

Goodbye [A short story]

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. Life is often a mix of good and bad experiences. It's hard to label an entire life as only good or only bad.
  2. We are shaped by our past, but becoming self-aware can help us find new paths forward. Reflecting on our experiences can lead to healing.
  3. Helping others and honoring those we've lost can give our lives meaning. We find purpose in our aspirations and in supporting each other.

Doomsday

KERFUFFLE • 15 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. The future is really uncertain, and big changes could happen due to advances in AI, which may deeply affect human life. For better or worse, we may face radical changes in how we live.
  2. There are two main outcomes for humanity concerning AI: either it leads to failure or a huge transformation. We might be too focused on how special we are to think we will always control technology.
  3. Recent reboots of popular franchises like '28 Days Later' and 'Alien' reflect our current fears and ideas about the next stage of human civilization, showing how close we feel to a potential dramatic shift.

The Coming of Enki II

Confections & Reputations • 39 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Science fiction
  1. The story follows a character named Chloe who navigates between the real world and a connected Net
  2. Chloe's advanced linguistic abilities hint at potential issues with the Vāc translation system
  3. The narrative delves into a futuristic world where technology and artificial intelligence play integral roles in everyday life

The Coming of Enki III

Confections & Reputations • 39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📚 Literature Science fiction
  1. The story discusses the challenges of ascertaining truth from falsehood in a futuristic setting.
  2. It explores the idea of language diversification and how a universal translator struggles to keep up.
  3. There is a theme of surveillance and control in a society where rebellious acts are met with consequences.

Show Review: Person of Interest

Record Crash • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Science fiction
  1. The show 'Person of Interest' has a unique premise involving AI and government surveillance.
  2. The show features strong character development and interactions that keep viewers engaged.
  3. Despite some flaws like procedural filler episodes, 'Person of Interest' offers a thought-provoking storyline surrounding Artificial Intelligence.