(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
Arthur C. Clark once defined them like this: Fantasy is something that couldn’t happen, though often you wish it could, while science fiction is something that could happen, but usually you wouldn’t want it to. Both are about creative imaginings of the future. Imagining your future from time to time is a good idea and you will want to do so creatively.
But what kind to imagine? How about one you could reasonably expect to enjoy!? But how to discern your desired future among your many options?
A strong suggestion is to notice the future you’re drawn to rather than one you have to claw your way to. The drawn one is probably sourced in creative intuition while the other is probably painted by the needy ego.
Intuition is soft and gentle and emerges through the cracks between the ego’s loud-lunged narratives. Intuition’s future gently awaits the living of it.
On the other hand the ego’s future needs forging, efforting, and a ‘See there, I did it’ conclusion. Blasting it’s way through obstacles is a prime way for the ego to be satisfied with the outcome. A kind of hero’s journey, slaying dragons, scared to (and of) death, triumphant in conclusion. Whew!
Ah, but the living of a future first presented by your intuition? A future which draws you? That’s something else.
Coaching Point: Fantasy or science fiction, which is it for you?
Copyright 2022 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.
S:1379 Distinction: Fantasy vs. Science Fiction
Published on: April 6, 2022