Ammunition Quote by Theodore Sturgeon
“I repeat Sturgeon's Revelation, which was wrung out of me after twenty years of wearying defense of science fiction against attacks of people who used the worst examples of the field for ammunition, and whose conclusion was that ninety percent of SF is crud.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Sturgeon's Revelation, 1951
The author argues that most science fiction is low quality, based on years of defending the genre against criticism that uses its worst examples as evidence.
In simple terms: Most SF is considered poor.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and demand higher quality in SF.
Themes
criticism
genre
quality
defense
literature
Mood
frustrated
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
evaluative
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- writing workshops
- editorial reviews
- genre conferences
Key Concepts
literary standards
genre reputation
critical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria define good SF?
- How can readers support quality SF?
A Different Perspective
Not all SF is bad; many works are exemplary and innovative.
![“Ninety percent of SF [science fiction] is crud, but then, ninety percent of everything is crud.” quote by Theodore Sturgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/841/theodore-sturgeon-4560_fiction_ninety-percent-of-sf-science-fiction-is_2006227.jpg)
![“[Science fiction is] out in the mainstream now. You can tell by the way mainstream literary authors pillage SF while denying they're writing it!” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/379/terry-pratchett-19_books_science-fiction-is-out-in-the-mainstream_2648583.jpg)
