The hottest Science fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Fiction Topics

We interrupt this Substack for some truly shameless self-promotion

Gradient Ascendant • 13 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
📚 Literature Science fiction Fantasy Writing Books Authors
  1. The author wrote a science fiction novel that is an epic with unique ideas and pacing.
  2. The novel explores the idea of reality being computational and programmable, inspired by computer science.
  3. The book delves into questions about the future of humanity and what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.

The Insufficient Weirdness Hypothesis

Gradient Ascendant • 20 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🔬 Science Future AI Science fiction Artificial Intelligence Forecasting
  1. The future is consistently weirder than expected because of unknown unknowns and unusual juxtapositions.
  2. AI development and outcomes are expected to be highly weird and unpredictable, not following a smooth exponential path.
  3. Weird and unexpected scenarios are more indicative of potential future risks to consider rather than conventional outcomes.

Jiao Tu's Endeavour

Trantor Publishing • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Review Fantasy Adventure Science fiction Character
  1. The story of Jiao Tu's Endeavour is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy/adventure, featuring a generation ship with humans in stasis and animals running the show, developing complex societies.
  2. Jiao Tu, an uplifted rabbit character, embarks on a quest to rescue a kidnapped mousling, encountering dangers, allies, and a cult, showcasing a strict code of ethics and manners inspired by Eastern traditions.
  3. The narrative focuses more on action and adventure rather than hard science fiction elements, with world-building sprinkled throughout the story, catering to reader preference for a patient detailing of setting.
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Butler, Bros, and Beyond

Perambulations • 3 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Masculinity Gender Roles Science fiction Social norms
  1. Constructing a positive vision of masculinity with sci-fi can explore different gender roles and challenge societal expectations.
  2. A good vision of masculinity should focus on virtues like variance, but also consider how to implement them in the real world.
  3. Embracing a vision of masculinity that includes virtuous characteristics and the ability to navigate societal expectations can provide a meaningful path for many men.

Toy Cars and Cybernetic Communism

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 21
🎨 Art & Illustration History Cybernetics Science fiction Education
  1. Toys and education in socialist Germany aimed to shape imagination, craftsmanship, and future careers, contrasting with mass-produced 'kitsch'.
  2. Imagination was constrained in the Soviet Union under Stalin, but cybernetics gradually gained acceptance later.
  3. The concept of cybernetics in Soviet regimes involved democratic participation in management systems and anticipatory planning for socialist futures.

The Coming of Enki V

Confections & Reputations • 0 implied HN points • 25 May 23
⚔ Fiction Science fiction AI Parenting
  1. Chloe's behavior at school is proving challenging due to her intelligence and frustrations.
  2. The school is facing issues with translation technology affecting communication among adults and students.
  3. Ms. Sterne suggests spending quality time with Chloe and limiting the use of technology to improve their relationship.

Carrier pigeons or something

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 01 May 14
🕹 Technology Social media Innovation Online Services Science fiction Emerging technologies
  1. When powerful entities dislike your social media content, consequences abound, from reprimands to unexpected repercussions.
  2. Despite the idea that technology should spread power, it can also consolidate it in unexpected ways.
  3. The existence of luxury services like the 'Seamless for rich people' suggests that decadence and exclusivity are becoming more accessible in the digital age.

Fiction: Shareholder Value

Autoscriptorium • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
⚔ Fiction Science fiction Horror
  1. The story delves into a narrative of redemption for a ruthless finance type, challenging traditional villain portrayals.
  2. There is a surreal element in the story where the protagonist is fed upon by mysterious creatures extracting shareholder value.
  3. The tale is described as transcribed from the author's dream, highlighting the power of imagination and storytelling.

The People of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Science fiction Philosophical Experimental Dystopian
  1. Man may not fully comprehend his own potential and nature, choosing to remain ignorant of his true capabilities and responsibilities.
  2. In the pursuit of perfection, there were efforts to create the perfect body and perfect mind through advanced technologies and simulations.
  3. The core driving force behind human progress could potentially be a deep-rooted self-hatred, leading humanity towards advancement and exploration as a means to escape its current state.