Exploring the Possibilities of Ancient-Themed Planets in Sci-Fi

  • Context: Writing: Input Wanted 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of incorporating ancient-themed planets in science fiction narratives, examining the potential benefits and drawbacks of such settings. Participants consider various historical influences, cultural representations, and the implications of using past civilizations in futuristic contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that ancient themes, like those from Egypt, could offer a fresh perspective in sci-fi, while others argue it may feel forced or uncreative.
  • Concerns are raised about the overuse of historical analogies in sci-fi, with references to works like "The Mote in God's Eye" and "A Canticle for Leibowitz" highlighting varying effectiveness.
  • Several participants express that relying on established cultures may indicate a lack of imagination, questioning the ability of writers to create entirely new cultures.
  • Others counter that exploring past civilizations allows for unique storytelling opportunities, enabling insights into how those cultures might interpret the future.
  • One participant proposes that using lesser-known historical analogies, such as the Mayans, could provide a more original approach to world-building.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of understanding the historical context of cultures to avoid superficial representations in sci-fi settings.
  • Some argue that cultural evolution is inevitable when environments change, questioning the plausibility of static ancient cultures in futuristic settings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the use of ancient themes in sci-fi. While some see potential for creativity, others feel it risks being unoriginal or superficial. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and implications of such approaches.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the challenge of ensuring cultural authenticity and the potential for anachronism when integrating historical elements into futuristic narratives. The discussion highlights the complexity of cultural evolution and the need for thoughtful representation.

What about the idea of take the shape of an ancient civilization in our future?

  • Interesting

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • Should be omitted

    Votes: 3 33.3%

  • Unbelievable, but no more than the rest of pop SF

    Votes: 3 33.3%
  • Total voters
    9
  • #31
Hi GTOM

"What about the idea of take the shape of an ancient civilization in our future?"

In the future, if you travel far enough, those who live there can return back through time at will and live in any civilization they wish, ancient or otherwise
They return to the future from such trips wearing ancient clothing, and some like it, so they keep it
But mocking up an ancient civilization in the future would involve a fair amount of effort, and why bother when you can just go there

Best wishes
 
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  • #32
There is a Japanese anime about a future in which the Borgia family are characters. So is Vaclav Havel! I think that's great.
 
  • #33
Recently i read in a science article that probably if humans go to Mars, due to isolation, being closed together for long time, probably different cultural backgrounds etc, maybe they should need some new cult as a cohesive force. I don't say it is a must have, but serves my speculation.

I wonder, can be any rational reason for ancient mesoamerican human sacrifice like execution?
At first i thought about organ transplant, but it looks like cloning 3d printing organs is a better solution.
Maybe some medical experiments, or remove gray matter and make the murderer to be a cyber zombie?
 
  • #34
Creatures of Light and Darkness and Lords of Light, both by Roger Zelazny, would be of interest.
 
  • #35
GTOM said:
Recently i read in a science article that probably if humans go to Mars, due to isolation, being closed together for long time, probably different cultural backgrounds etc, maybe they should need some new cult as a cohesive force. I don't say it is a must have, but serves my speculation.

I don't think they would need a cult or religion to bind them together, however human behavior and society is complex enough to let an author justify almost anything imaginable without being blatantly wrong (unless done poorly).

GTOM said:
I wonder, can be any rational reason for ancient mesoamerican human sacrifice like execution?
At first i thought about organ transplant, but it looks like cloning 3d printing organs is a better solution.
Maybe some medical experiments, or remove gray matter and make the murderer to be a cyber zombie?

If you stick strictly to known and immediate-future technology, then I can't think of any "rational" reason why human sacrifice would be necessary. However humans are not purely rational beings, so things like the demands of society can justify it if done correctly.
 
  • #36
Bystander said:
It's overused --- Niven, The Mote in God's Eye, is one that included the church to excess. Miller, A Canticle for Leibowitz, did well with it, but in the second case, the church was the story.
The church inclusions is Mote seemed rather routine to me. I'm an atheist from birth but after 20 years in the USN I didn't have a problem with the Chaplain, especially given that he had real life experience before joining the clergy.