High Hopes for a Fustian Future

OK, let’s do something different today, an introduction to a new feature of the site.

The last few years, I’ve been reading a lot more science fiction novels. The type of sci-fi I like is actually fairly limited. I can’t stand fantasy books, or any science fiction story with elements of fantasy (dwarves, magic, all that jazz). But I am fascinated with science fiction that is anchored in reality that presents a believable, realistic future. Essentially stories that don’t require a major leap of faith or complete bastardization of the laws of physics to explain the existence of future technology. Works like Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot (The Robot), Peter F. Hamilton’s Judas Unchained, or Dan Simmons‘ Hyperion.

Only recently have I tried to understand my newfound interest in this genre. I think it’s because it gives me hope. I used to be quite pessimistic about the world, thought we were heading for extinction or world war 3. These things are still possible but I’m much less worried.

I realize that I have become fascinated with the evolution of technology and the increased rate of advancement in our societies across any number of areas, be it medicine, electronics, artificial intelligence, computing, interfaces, etc.

I’ve always been fascinated by technology. It’s what attracted to me first to electronics, then computers, then programming. I need to understand how things work, it’s an obsession.

I also follow the development of new technologies, not just in how they’re currently being used, but also in how they could be used in the future, what new avenues of technology and improvements they could open up, and the possibilities they offer humankind.

We live in unbelievable times, where new amazing technologies are being researched, invented and brought to the market every day; where new technologies are absorbed into our societies ever faster (just look at how quickly Google and Facebook have become common use compared to the cell phone, or the television); where technology evens out the playing fields (any human being can tap into the largest wealth of information in the world by simply connecting to the internet).

So from now on, every Friday (hopefully), I want to examine a new technology, or the impact of a technology, or how a technology could evolve to offer us amazing benefits.

My hopes for a fustian future are high.

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1. Repairing the Human Body
2. Reminder: Future Tech Column on Hold
3. Brain Interfaces Redux
4. Novel Energy Uses