Like Jonathan Swift, sf writers sometimes use imaginary beings to comment on human beings. For example, Poul Anderson's Ythrians find it difficult to understand the human concept of "government." When another alien learns that human skin lacks:
"...color-change cells and vapor vents." (p. 119)
- he comments:
"I wondered how such a folk expressed themselves, their inner feelings, to each other." (ibid.)
Despite, by this time, extended contacts and conversations with human beings, he adds:
"(I still do.)" (ibid.)
And so do we.
But the eeriest aspect of David Ryerson was his eyes. The right number: two. The wrong colours:
"...white around blue...blue." (p. 120)
Not red. Alien indeed.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree! I expect very different intelligent races to bewilder and puzzle each other.
I don't think the institution of the State, as such, will necessarily be that strange to many non-human races. What you quoted about the puzzlement Ythrians had for "government" also reflects Anderson's libertarian leaning views. But he was not extreme about it, accepting the need for the State in keeping the peace and defense against outside enemies.
Ad astra! Sean
Post a Comment