What they [critics of Lessing's switch to science fiction] didn't realize was that in science fiction is some of the best social fiction of our time.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Critics failed to see that science fiction often contains powerful social commentary relevant to our era.
- In plain terms
- Science fiction can be excellent social fiction.
- What can you take from it?
- Look beyond genre labels to find meaningful social critique.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do you judge books by genre?
- What social issues appear in your favorite sci-fi?
Another view
Not all science fiction qualifies as strong social fiction.
More from Doris Lessing
Political correctness is the natural continuum from the party line. What we are seeing once again is a self-appointed group of vigilantes imposing their views …
Permalink to quote #16 With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one - but no one at all - can t…
Permalink to quote #18 The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all. And t…
Permalink to quote #15
Related quotes
The science fiction approach doesn't mean it's always about the future; it's an awareness that this is different.
Neal StephensonNeal Stephenson quote #1 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 wors…
Theodore SturgeonTheodore Sturgeon quote #3 One of the objections I have against Campbell's Astounding was that there was too little love in it. It was a very loveless magazine. They never took enough ac…
Brian AldissBrian Aldiss quote #7