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Books Quote by Joanna Russ

“Science fiction, as I mentioned before, writes about what is neither impossible nor possible; the fact is that, when the question of possibility comes up in science fiction, the author can only reply that nobody knows. We haven't been there yet. We haven't discovered that yet. Science fiction…” quote by Joanna Russ
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“Science fiction, as I mentioned before, writes about what is neither impossible nor possible; the fact is that, when the question of possibility comes up in science fiction, the author can only reply that nobody knows. We haven't been there yet. We haven't discovered that yet. Science fiction hasn't happened.”

Joanna Russ

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Role of Possibility in Science Fiction", 1975

Science fiction explores ideas beyond current knowledge, acknowledging that many concepts remain unknown and untested

In simple terms: SF imagines what we don’t yet know

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty in creative speculation

Themes

science fiction possibility unknown exploration

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writers
  • readers
  • inventors
  • policy makers

Key Concepts

future tech social change philosophical inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • What boundaries should speculative works respect?
  • How does uncertainty fuel innovation?
A Different Perspective

Speculation can mislead if presented as fact

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