Each future history instalment builds on the foundations of earlier instalments. Thus, power-beaming technology is developed in "Holmgang" and crucially contributes to the climax of "The Snows of Ganymede."
Sometimes Biblical quotations are supplemented by other literary quotations. Thus:
"'They also serve who only stand and wait...'" (IX, p. 206)
I think that we all know it but where is it from?
When I consider how my light is spent, Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one Talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bentTo serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide; “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” I fondly ask. But patience, to preventThat murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His stateIs Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest: They also serve who only stand and wait.”
-John Milton, "On His Blindness."
The Planetary Engineers speed and post o'er the Solar System without rest.
2 comments:
Power beaming is perfectly practical -- you just use microwaves. That's how orbital solar power would be transmitted to the ground -- microwave beams.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
All the more glory and praise for men like Elon Musk! It's because of men like him that mankind might at long endless last get off this rock and make such ideas as solar power beamed from space a reality.
Ad astra! Sean
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