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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker defines science fiction as stories about humans and their problems that require science to exist.
In plain terms
Sci-fi is about human problems solved by science.
What can you take from it?
Human elements are central to science fiction stories.

Where it applies

  • writing sci-fi
  • analyzing stories
  • teaching literature

Putting it to work

  • focus on human stakes
  • integrate science with plot

Questions to consider

  • What makes a story science fiction?
  • How does science serve the plot?

Another view

Not all sci-fi has a solution or is strictly human centered.

More from Theodore Sturgeon

  1. Interview with David G Hartwell, The New York Review of Science Fiction (March - April 1989)

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. If All Men Were Brothers, Would You Let One Marry Your Sister?

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. 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…

    Permalink to quote #3

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