Belief Quote by Daryl Gregory
“Fantasy involves that which general opinion regards as impossible; science fiction involves that which general opinion regards as possible under the right circumstances. This is in essence a judgment call, since what is possible and what is not cannot be objectively known but is, rather, a subjective belief on the part of the reader.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Interview with Daryl Gregory, Locus Magazine, 2015
Fantasy embraces the impossible, while sci‑fi explores possibilities that could exist under certain conditions, reflecting readers’ subjective beliefs about reality.
In simple terms: Fantasy = impossible; sci‑fi = possible under conditions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize genre expectations and personal belief.
Themes
imagination
genre
belief
subjectivity
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- world‑building
- literary analysis
- genre discussion
Key Concepts
speculative fiction
reader perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your personal beliefs shape genre preferences?
- Can a story blend both impossible and possible elements?
A Different Perspective
Genres are fluid; boundaries shift with cultural context.
