Definitions Quote by Norman Spinrad
“There is only one definition of science fiction that seems to make sense: 'Science fiction is anything published as science fiction.'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Defining Science Fiction, 1975
Science fiction is defined by its own labeling; anything called sci‑fi is sci‑fi.
In simple terms: Genre is self‑named.
Key Takeaway
Use labels critically when categorizing.
Themes
literature
genre
definition
meta‑analysis
Mood
inquisitive
playful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- academic courses
- genre marketing
Key Concepts
semantic theory
publishing practice
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a label tell you about a work?
- How does self‑definition affect perception?
A Different Perspective
Labels can be limiting.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
