True Stories, written in 2nd century

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the themes and concepts presented in Lucian of Samosata's "True History," a work from the 2nd century that is considered an early form of science fiction. Participants explore the implications of these themes in relation to modern science fiction and the nature of speculative ideas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that "True History" includes themes such as space travel, alien encounters, and interplanetary warfare, suggesting a remarkable foresight for 2nd century fiction.
  • Another participant argues that while these themes are present, many are proposed without explanation or demonstration of feasibility, contrasting them with Arthur C. Clarke's more rigorous scientific approach to concepts like geostationary satellites.
  • A third participant expresses regret for bringing Clarke into the discussion, emphasizing their admiration for the early science fiction elements without needing to compare them to modern works.
  • A light-hearted comment about the use of smilies in conveying tone is made, indicating a casual atmosphere in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of admiration for the early science fiction themes and critique regarding the lack of scientific rigor in their presentation. There is no consensus on the value of comparing these themes to modern science fiction standards.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the difference between imaginative storytelling and scientific validation, indicating a potential limitation in how the themes are interpreted.

meBigGuy
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Since Clarke "invented" the geostationary satellite (I know, he didn't, really, I'm just being snide), I guess Lucian of Samosata invented all this in the 2nd century:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_History
In sum, typical science fiction themes and topoi appearing in True Stories are:[3]

  • travel to outer space
  • encounter with alien life-forms, including the experience of a first encounter event
  • interplanetary warfare and imperialism
  • colonization of planets
  • artificial atmosphere
  • liquid air
  • reflecting telescope
  • motif of giganticism
  • creatures as products of human technology (robot theme)
  • worlds working by a set of alternate 'physical' laws
  • explicit desire of the protagonist for exploration and adventure
Pretty impressive list for 2nd century fiction.
 
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There is a difference between fantasizing a circumstance and demonstrating that it works and how it works.

I'm not going to tick off each of the items you mention, but many of them (for example space travel) are proposed simply by fiat - i.e. do not ask how it is so, just that it is so.

Clarke did not merely decide that geostationary satlelites would be cool. He did the math to show how and why it would work.Still, your point is well-taken. Sometimes it's easy to forget just how long our star-gazing dreams have been around.
 
I probably shouldn't have brought Clarke into it. I'd take it back if I could.

I was just impressed with seeing science fiction so far back.
 
Smilies are great for conveying an intended tone of light-heartedness. :wink:
 

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