Thanks John, it is really amazing to look back through almost all of recorded history, on a machine that gets that information from waves beamed down through satellites. We are living in the sci-fi world that these ancient writers imagined, and to me that is a profoundly moving experience.
Totally. Even if you look back to the early 20th century, our modern world is the futuristic landscape many from that era tried to imagine. I asked my Dad who was born in the late 30s if he ever pictured having things like cell phones and laptops back in the 50s. He said the concept of those things would have blown his mind relative to the technology of the time. It is surreal to think what changes still lie ahead before the end of this century.
Wonderful article Philip! And there were the South American indigenous peoples too….but probably not as ancient as the Indian sacred texts you mention. I loved reading this and the starring role Mary Shelley kind if dud and didn’t have. Your newsletter is always fascinating! I want to recommend it with words but can’t remember how! Working on it! Love your great many varieties of work! —jennifer
A great point, I've been meaning to expand on (republish) this article in a longer format with a bit more detail, but the original thing was just to leap back as far as possible. There's a French 15th century author whose work I ignored for this but could bring back in!
Now I'm better at Substack, adding links or footnotes to explain each author's contribution might be better.
Thanks :) I'm glad you are continuing to enjoy it!
A fascinating look at the origins of science fiction. It's fun to see how literature and its genres have evolved through the centuries.
Thanks John, it is really amazing to look back through almost all of recorded history, on a machine that gets that information from waves beamed down through satellites. We are living in the sci-fi world that these ancient writers imagined, and to me that is a profoundly moving experience.
Totally. Even if you look back to the early 20th century, our modern world is the futuristic landscape many from that era tried to imagine. I asked my Dad who was born in the late 30s if he ever pictured having things like cell phones and laptops back in the 50s. He said the concept of those things would have blown his mind relative to the technology of the time. It is surreal to think what changes still lie ahead before the end of this century.
And it's only going to get weirder!
Or just horrifying!
Wonderful article Philip! And there were the South American indigenous peoples too….but probably not as ancient as the Indian sacred texts you mention. I loved reading this and the starring role Mary Shelley kind if dud and didn’t have. Your newsletter is always fascinating! I want to recommend it with words but can’t remember how! Working on it! Love your great many varieties of work! —jennifer
Fishclamor.Substack.com
A great point, I've been meaning to expand on (republish) this article in a longer format with a bit more detail, but the original thing was just to leap back as far as possible. There's a French 15th century author whose work I ignored for this but could bring back in!
Now I'm better at Substack, adding links or footnotes to explain each author's contribution might be better.
Thanks :) I'm glad you are continuing to enjoy it!
I think shorter has it’s fine points too Philip!
I hate autocorrect as if I wasn’t right when I typed its. Sheeeesh.