Sci Fi (Science Fiction) and Fantasy

860 Words2 Pages

Whether you are a fan or not, Science Fiction and Fantasy is, or has been, present in your life at some point. The genre has helped progress society in many ways. Sci-fi and Fantasy are for the creative. One cannot embrace the wild and imaginative plot lines without the ability to think creatively. Sometimes the fantastical ideas presented in the books and shows are absorbed by these creative and inventive minds and applied to the real world. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek once said, “For me science fiction is a way of thinking, a way of logic that bypasses a lot of nonsense. It allows people to look directly at important subjects.” These genres are a way of looking at the world in a whole new light, exploring endless ideas of humanity and our society (and in some cases using otherworldly or mythical species to reflect on our own), ideas of what our future may be like, or what the past may have been. It could be a bright idea of humanity overcoming their selfishness and living in harmony in the future, on the other hand, it could also be a warning of sorts. Some books and films take place in a dark future where mankind has almost completely destroyed itself. Either way can inspire the reader or viewer.

Many ancient and medieval poetry and writings have elements of sci-fi/fantasy in them such as trips to the stars or under the ocean. Mythology, even, can be seen as a form of fantasy. Many ancient beliefs from different cultures featured fantastic creatures and places and people with incredible magical powers. Gulliver’s Travels, written in 1726 by Jonathan Swift is considered one of the first true Science Fantasy novels. It is a tale about a man encountering all sorts of strange and seemingly otherworld...

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...ogressing in the direction of a material that will hopefully one day be as strong as the Captain’s shield. Science has even created Batman’s grappler gun! The Grappler is made for use by the military and can be extremely useful in rescue missions. It can even operate under water!

With our world progressing so quickly in science and technology it is fascinating to look back at the literature that was the inspiration for these advances. It is strange that this genre, filled with such outlandish plot lines and characters, could influence the real world. In a way it’s beautiful. When these brilliant minds of mankind are able to grab an idea from the fictional world and work together to make it a reality. For hundreds of years, people have dreamed of what they thought to be impossible but to quote Star Trek, “Things are only impossible until their not.”

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