Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
The Miracles of Technology Vs. the Dark Side of Human Ambition
On Saturday July 8th 1688, an Irish landowner sat down and composed a letter to an English doctor. The landowner’s name was William Molyneux. Ten years earlier he had married a woman named Lucy. After bearing him three children, she had become ill and was struck blind. But Molyneux’s letter to the doctor wasn't about his wife. The doctor’s name was John Locke and the letter was the first statement of a very profound neurological question. The letter asked the following:
By George Lazenby9 years ago in Futurism
The Insight
"Money," whispers Data Raider, "was information." He and De Crypt are hiding in the second story of a small abandoned concrete tower on San Jose’s outskirts, waiting until the cannibals get tired of looking for them. They’ve been lying underneath a window and shivering, hardly daring to move, all night; the cannibals outside are hungry. But by this time, De Crypt and Data Raider are pretty sure they’ll be safe. All they have to do is wait long enough. As information technologists, the inhabitants of Silicon Valley had ranked as the best in the world, but as cannibals, they’re no better than amateur.
By Jeffrey A. Corkern9 years ago in Futurism
'Star Trek' DIY Gifts You Can Definitely Make
If you love Star Trek, you’ve probably made something for yourself at some point that was too difficult to find or too expensive to purchase, like a Starfleet Academy costume or a phaser for your cosplay. But you might not have thought about the unique gifts that you can create for the Enterprise-loving nerd people in your life. Whether it’s earrings for your sister, a cross stitch for your mom, or a gingerbread Enterprise for your holiday party, there’s definitely someone out there who’s thought of an amazing project and then shared their genius online so you can look good too. Boldly go where some other Trekkie on the internet has definitely gone before and try these fun DIY projects.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
Resistance Is Futile: Hollywood Bionics, Borg & RoboCops Inspire Pop Culture Cyborg Tech Meld
“I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life, as it has been is over. From this time forward, you will service - us.” Locutus of Borg - Star Trek: The Next Generation from ‘Best of Both Worlds’
By Will Stape9 years ago in Futurism
Science Fiction College: Sci-Fi Educates University Level Students
Whether you know it or not, or want to admit it, that little cinematic 1980s romp, Revenge Of The Nerds, has come all too true. Geek culture has risen to prominence, even dominance in our culture. Tech is our global kingdom—and the tech titans like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are the governing monarchs. The nerd or geek vibe surrounds us on every level imaginable. And it doesn’t stop at the office or in our pockets with our mobile devices. Science fiction is sort of the geek genre of choice, and now all those movies are springboarding courses at the university.
By Will Stape9 years ago in Futurism
'Battlestar Galactica' Fan Review
I will admit I was one of those people who, growing up on the old 1970s sci-fi shows, had no real interest in a Battlestar Galactica reboot or re-imagining. I would rather have seen a Buck Rogers or even a Space 1999 before Battlestar Galactica. In truth, sometimes we don’t want people to take away from our personal definition of what a show should be. While the 70s Battlestar Galactica was cheesy, lighthearted, and silly, the new show was just the opposite. In fact, this was one of a handful of things that original fans cried foul about, that it was too serious, too dark, and no fun at all. Let’s not ever get started on the gender change for the character Starbuck.
By Jeff Fountain9 years ago in Futurism
Best Sci-Fi Graphic Novels for Kids
It can be challenging to find science fiction graphic novels for children that aren’t too scary or violent, but also don’t demean kids or gloss over their interests. While you have to make the call for your own kids, here are six great choices for all the youngsters on your Christmas list. Whether they’re preschoolers who can’t yet read or high school students who’ve been adoring fans of the genre for years, you’re sure to find something that’s just right. (And yes, it’s totally ok to devour it from front to back before you wrap it and pass it on to them. I won’t tell.)
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
The Most Amazing Quotes About Science Fiction
Science fiction is a world worked in and lived in by necessity, not by choice. If we as readers are seeking a world so dark and revealing when we could be visiting Rivendell instead, we’re seeking it because we need it. Why? The answer depends on the person. Some of us are in a perpetual state of near-frantic scientific curiosity that demands more satisfaction than our own research can give us. Some of us are struggling with mental illness, and the world of science fiction is a reassuring reminder that every world has its horrors. Some of us need to hear that we are not the only ones who would turn tail and run in the face of almost-certain death and unimaginable horrors. No matter why we seek it, there are always certain passages that speak the thoughts we can’t put into words, and in so doing give us a peace we can hardly explain. Here are a few; they’re just a sample of the many inspiring words from speculative authors, scientists, and visionaries.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Futurism
What is Space?
The general idea of 19th century Empty Space was that as soon as one ventured beyond Earth's atmosphere, a few tens of miles over our heads, there was absolutely nothing there. It was a total vacuum, not an atom within range. A complete void was thought to exist above our heads.
By Conrad Morningstar9 years ago in Futurism
