Sci-Fi Warning from 1970
Some of you may know the great sci-fi writer Philip Jose Farmer (WIKI). I was leafing through his famed ‘To Your Scattered Bodies Go,‘ written in 1970, and came across this passage, which describes the U.S.A. in roughly 2005:
“…and pollution of water, land and air was killing millions. The scientists said that half of Earth’s oxygen supply would be cut off in ten years because the phytoplanktons of the oceans–they furnished half the world’s oxygen you know–were dying. The oceans were polluted…I believed them. I was a biochemist. But most of the population, especially those who counted, the masses and the politicians, refused to believe until it was too late. Measures were taken as the situation got worse, but they were always too weak and too late and fought against by groups that stood to lose money, if effective measures were taken.”
Herbert’s “Dune” series also warns us. Almost forty years later and we still move so slowly. Nancy Pelosi, for one, doesn’t seem too terribly concerned. Her “100 Hours” agenda has little to do with our biggest problems. Alas. Alack.
I originally read this book, and the series of which it is part, some fifteen years ago. Of course, I didn’t pick up on the environmental warning at that time. Had I, I’m certain I would have dismissed it.
By the way, in Farmer’s book, the world ends in 2008.
Tags: books, Ruminations
Hi Tod - this series was one of my favourite when I was younger too, but I thought the books and storyline sort of floundered towards the last few, but nothing could beat “To Your Scattered Bodies Go” and “The Fabulous Riverboat” in my mind. (of course I loved Philip K Dick too, but his was a completely different kind of science fiction)
I find book series can be dissapointing (like the initially promising Amtrak Wars, which seemed to be written by a completely different author towards the last book) & I was getting quite cynical about them until I read Stephen Donaldson’s “Gap” series which was one of the best crafted and resolved 5 book series I’ve read in the genre…well, for a long time (haven’t read a series yet that actually approaches this one really)
Anyway it’s late and I’m blethering. I’m not ignoring the environmental part of your post, I’m just too depressed to think about it (as you say Alas. Alack) I was just interested to see another synchronicity in our tastes (along with Polaroids & Thomas Dolby)
Stay well, brotha from anotha Mother.
:-)>