“Young people are beginning to feel that science fiction is the kind of literature that a person interested in reality should be reading.”
When I came across this quote from the late Dr. Isaac Asimov – renowned scientist, author and creativity enthusiast – I was immediately intrigued by its meaning. Science, fictional or not, is all about exploring the future. And science fiction puts no limits on the possibilities the future holds. The make-believe worlds created in the pages are closer to reality than ever before. In order to make advances in society, the curiosity-driven thinking in science fiction books is just what young people need to come up with innovative solutions.
“Science fiction, of all the different forms of literature, is the one that most easily accepts the notion of change. Things are changing very quickly, and any kid who thinks about it knows that the world in which he or she will be a grown-up — which he or she will be helping to run — will be considerably different from this one,” says Dr. Asimov in his 1983 interview with Muppet Magazine.
Dr. Asimov believed advances in technology would free up more human thought to be put towards creative, pro-social endeavors. Thirty years later, this still holds true. Science and creativity go hand in hand. Successful creatives will be able to merge the disciplines in order to strengthen their critical thinking and ability to innovate.
“Science does not purvey absolute truth, science is a mechanism,” says Dr. Asimov. “It’s a way of trying to improve your knowledge of nature, it’s a system for testing your thoughts against the universe and seeing whether they match.”
Creativity is also about trying to improve your knowledge, challenging yourself, and testing your thoughts, if not against the universe, at least among your peers or colleagues. Advertising is becoming fully integrated with digital platforms and interactive technology. In order to distinguish yourself from the competition it is important to embrace technology. I can remember the science fiction section in my local library, tucked away in a back corner, with old books and dusty covers. I think it’s time to bring those books out of hiding. There is always learning to be had, and science fiction has a lot more to offer than fantasy.
Sara Wynkoop 