How it influences the imaginations of technologists.
I once wrote on this page, "Science fiction is to technology as romance novels are to marriage: a form of propaganda" (see "Against Transcendence," February 2005).
This represents my sincere view, but stated so baldly, without elaboration, the remark implies a contempt I do not feel. For I adore science fiction. If it is propaganda, I am its happy dupe; and if I am a technology editor and journalist today, it is because between the ages of seven and fourteen, I read little but science fiction.
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