Planetes: great hard sci-fi anime

Japanese animation, or anime, has a long, rich science fiction heritage; however, anime often gravitates toward giant robots, super powers, and aliens. Sometimes, though, a series comes along that bucks the trend. In the 1990s, that series was Ghost in the Shell, a plausible take on the near future where the lines between the cyberworld […]

What’s wrong with modern sci-fi?

Actually, that’s a loaded question, but it caught your attention, eh? I suppose that technically nothing is “wrong” with modern sci-fi. On average, SF writers today are much better writers than ever before. Their sentences flow. Their characters are round and fully realized. Action crackles off the page. And yet it’s hard for me to […]

Ode on Parenting: Grit is It

Ah parents–good parents– So lovable yet so gullible. They’ll buy anything–tips and tricks– that are “good for the kids.” But, alas, there’s something wrong. Their kids get lost in the throng! As they exit their bubble They begin to struggle. What if the secret to success is failure? What if you need grit in order […]

Brilliant Read. A Time of Passion: America, 1960-1980

A Time of Passion: America. 1960-1980 by Charles R. Morris is one of the most insightful books I have ever read. For reference, there are only two other books that I would rank in the same category out of hundreds. If you ever wanted to understand why America and (to some extent) the world is […]

Quiet by Susan Cain: a must read

I recently read a book entitled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can Stop Talking by Susan Cain–one of the most insightful books I have ever read. I rarely say this about any book, but this particular one is a must read for everyone, not just introverts. Packed with anecdotes, scientific research, and […]

Actual Sunlight review: a game of depression

So I just finished “playing” a game called Actual Sunlight. It conjured up a confused mix of thoughts and feelings that compelled me to write a short article in order to sort it all out.

The opposite of loneliness

By now, you’ve probably already heard about the tragic tale of Marina Keegan. A life so full of promise. One that ended too soon. If not, take a moment to read her last article. It touched me deeply, reminding me of two very important things.

Philoscifi

philosophy + science fiction

Author: Justarius