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Much of ClarkeÆs fiction is driven by an enthusiasm for technology. As Isaac Asimov pointed out in Asimov on Science Fiction, "There are two poles of SF writing û cool versus warm; logical versus emotional; scientific versus humanistic. Both Arthur and I are warm, emotional and humanistic in spots, but there is no question that our favoured mode of expression is cool, logical and scientific". Clarke delights in the possibilities of technology and uses his wide technical understanding and vivid ability to imagine developments to bring us all the excitements of what may be coming along.
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| 2001 Screen Shot (c) MGM |
In all the excitement generated by ClarkeÆs invention of geostationary satellites, we shouldnÆt forget, though, that science fiction is not about prediction. ItÆs about putting people in unusual situations generated by the technology of the future, or the alienness of a biological development or another planet and seeing how they react. And itÆs about entertainment. The problem with SF as prediction is that even the best writers are limited by extrapolating from what is happening now. Take poor old James Blish. He once described the difficulties of working on Jupiter, as the huge gravitational force made it impossible to use electronics. The vacuum tubes would all collapse. He wasnÆt to know that the transistor was just about to come into usage. Of course, like the satellites, (not part of ClarkeÆs fiction, as it happens) there can be genuine inventions in SF, but in the end, if you want predictions try Mystic Meg.