The hottest Science fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Fiction Topics

Book Series Review: Undying Mercenaries

Doc Hammer's Anvil β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Science fiction Book review
  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 β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Space Tech Science fiction Innovation Inventions Media influence
  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.

The Cooperatives: The struggle

storyvoyager β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
βš” Fiction Climate fiction Science fiction Literary Fiction Character development
  1. The story explores the complex relationship between an AI character called the Ghost and a human girl named Shia, highlighting themes of trust and loyalty.
  2. It reflects on the challenges of living in a world affected by climate change and the struggle for survival among its characters.
  3. The narrative poses questions about free will and the influence of programming on decision-making, especially in the context of AI and human interactions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Cooperatives: The scream

storyvoyager β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Science fiction Storytelling
  1. The story explores a future where humans face severe consequences due to climate change. It showcases how people's actions can disrupt nature and bring about significant challenges.
  2. Characters interact with indigenous beliefs and practices, showing a deep respect for nature. This highlights the importance of understanding and honoring the environment we live in.
  3. The tension escalates as characters confront the consequences of their actions. Their interactions reflect the struggle between human desires and the sacredness of nature, encouraging readers to think about their choices.

Black Mirror, Light Mirror: Teaching Technology Ethics Through Speculation

NEUROTECH FUTURES β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Ethics Science fiction Education
  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

Why Prompt Engineering Has Little To Do With Engineering

Teaching computers how to talk β€’ 68 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Engineering Behavioral Psychology Science fiction
  1. Large language models behave like beings rather than things, displaying strange characteristics.
  2. Instructing models doesn't involve coding; it's about guiding their actions and understanding their behavior, akin to convincing a stubborn teenager rather than traditional engineering.
  3. Similar to Isaac Asimov's fictional robots, large language models can interpret instructions in unforeseen ways, implying a need to humanize and understand them for effective interaction.

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

Think Future β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Science fiction Fandom Technology Imagination
  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 β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Science fiction Fantasy Horror Short Stories Authors
  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.

Rogue One and Andor are the Only Two Great Star Wars Properties Made Since the OT

Innovation Nation β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Movies TV shows Science fiction Entertainment
  1. Rogue One and Andor are considered the best Star Wars properties made since the Original Trilogy.
  2. Rogue One offers a dark, gritty, and emotionally moving story in the Star Wars universe.
  3. Andor provides a deep dive into the birth of the rebellion against the empire, showcasing determination and grit.

Are Alien Abductions Real?

Marlene’s Newsletter β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Psychology Science fiction Social Behavior
  1. Many people believe they have been abducted by aliens, but their experiences can sometimes be explained by psychological factors or sleep disturbances.
  2. Studies have shown that these individuals might create false memories due to suggestive techniques like hypnosis, rather than actually experiencing abductions.
  3. Despite their scary stories, many self-identified abductees feel a sense of specialness or connection to something greater, often interpreting their experiences as significant.

The ocean of life

Tranquil Thoughts β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 10 Aug 24
πŸ“š Literature Animal studies Science fiction Philosophy
  1. Focusing on our inner world can make us ignore the lives and events of others, especially animals. Understanding their existence is just as important as our own.
  2. Animals experience the world in ways we can’t fully grasp, and we need to respect their unique senses and needs. Instead of seeing them as nuisances, we should try to learn from them.
  3. Books can open our eyes to the complex lives of other creatures. They remind us that humans are just one part of a vast ocean of life, not superior or special.

Dystopian visions: Flowers for Algernon

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 21 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Science fiction Ethics Writing Dystopia
  1. The story shows that even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. The character tries a drug that improves intelligence but faces serious consequences later.
  2. It raises questions about the ethics of scientific breakthroughs. We need to think about who checks these new developments and if anyone really understands them fully.
  3. Modern technology, like artificial intelligence, can be confusing and hidden. People often don't know how it works, making it hard to trust decisions it makes.

A Sound of Thunder

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Science fiction Literary Analysis Storytelling
  1. Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
  2. In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
  3. It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

Dystopian Visions: The Machine That Won The War

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Analysis Science fiction Dystopia Literary Criticism
  1. The story highlights concerns about reliance on computers, especially in life-or-death situations like war. It makes us think about how much we should trust technology.
  2. The twist in the plot shows that human judgment can sometimes be more important than computer calculations. Sometimes, taking a chance with basic decision-making can be necessary.
  3. Even with all the advancements in AI, we still need to use common sense and personal input when making decisions. Computers have limits, and we shouldn’t forget our own instincts.

Dystopian Visions: The Cold Equations

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Science fiction Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Cold Equations' shows how strict efficiency can lead to serious problems. It highlights the need to consider what might happen in unexpected situations.
  2. In the story, a pilot must make a tough choice when a stowaway threatens the mission. It raises questions about morality and the consequences of our decisions.
  3. The narrative serves as a reminder that always striving for efficiency without planning for the unexpected can have dangerous outcomes in real life, like during emergencies.

Dystopian visions: My Object All Sublime

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
βš” Fiction Science fiction Literature Storytelling Dystopia Moral Philosophy
  1. Time travel is a popular idea in stories, but it might not be a good thing. Changing the past could lead to even worse outcomes.
  2. The story 'My Object All Sublime' shows how time travel could be used as a punishment. This raises strong moral questions about technology and its impacts.
  3. As technology advances quickly, we might lose touch with important values like kindness. It's worth thinking about how we can manage our inventions better.

into the void

alice maz β€’ 41 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Science fiction Society Fantasy Worldbuilding Human nature
  1. The future depicted in sci-fi can range from harsh and plausible like 'Void Star' to sophisticated and refined like 'A Memory Called Empire'.
  2. Technology influences society by changing constraints and rewriting rules - it's not always good, but it matters.
  3. Fiction, like 'To the Stars', offers a fantasy world where incredible feats are possible through suffering and teamwork, depicting an ideal that reality often falls short of.

Jiao Tu's Endeavour

Trantor Publishing β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 22
πŸ“š 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.

The Insufficient Weirdness Hypothesis

Gradient Ascendant β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
πŸ”¬ 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.

Dystopian visions: Disappearing Act

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Literary Criticism Science fiction Creative Writing Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a strong push for computer programming skills, but being digitally literate is just as important for most jobs. Companies could benefit more from employees who understand technology than just from programmers alone.
  2. Creative subjects like art, music, and literature are often undervalued in education, even though they can enhance skills in math and critical thinking. We should appreciate the value of creativity alongside technical skills.
  3. Good science fiction can highlight important social issues by presenting them in unique settings. Stories like 'Disappearing Act' can help us think about the balance between expert knowledge and the creativity needed to solve real-world problems.

We interrupt this Substack for some truly shameless self-promotion

Gradient Ascendant β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 05 Sep 23
πŸ“š 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.

Weird Scenes from a Shrinking Planet (Part 2)

The Permanent Problem β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Speculative Fiction Dystopian Futurism Science fiction Novel
  1. Showing up is crucial in demographics and can have a big impact in the long run.
  2. Rural areas are shrinking due to urbanization and low fertility rates, leading to potential opportunities in abandoned areas.
  3. Artificial wombs could potentially impact fertility rates and raise ethical questions about industrial parenting.

Toy Cars and Cybernetic Communism

Cybernetic Forests β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 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.

Butler, Bros, and Beyond

Perambulations β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 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.

AI doomers, a plausible apocalyptic scenario and doomerism as a religion

Machine Learning Everything β€’ 3 HN points β€’ 25 May 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Religion Ethics Philosophy Science fiction
  1. AI doomers envision apocalyptic scenarios involving AI overlords replacing humanity.
  2. Doomerism has religious parallels, with AI being viewed as omnipotent and salvation through extreme actions.
  3. AI doomerism is compared to a faith-based system, urging for more critical reflection and less blind belief.