-Poul Anderson, Author's Note IN Anderson, The Psychotechnic League (New York, 1981), pp. 283-285 AT p. 283.
First interplanetary era: Volumes I-II;
Dictatorship, revolution and first restoration: Vol III;
Later turmoil, second restoration and approach to maturity: Vol IV.
The summary omits Vol V which is a brief appendix that does not advance the History. Anderson also passes over the cause of the turmoil in Vol IV. But it is a good summary and we can see how the Future History influenced Anderson's Psychotechnic History which we are currently rereading although not any more this evening.
10 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
And in both his later stories and in personal communication with me Anderson made it plain he moved away from, and to disbelief in notions of "racial maturity." Such ideas would be laughable if they weren't so tragic and hopeless!
Ad astra! Sean
Disagree.
Kaor, Paul!
And it's my absolute belief that people with such futile dreams will be perpetually disappointed by how stubbornly unwilling to change the human race will be.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
But the human race changes itself all the time. People accept what is presented to them and what is presented changes. In Britain, we would now be shocked to see someone smoking inside a public building because it has been made illegal. While Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, a young British child was surprised to be told that Ted Heath had been a previous PM. "Were men allowed to do it, then?" Future generations will grow up taking for granted ways of living and social relationships that we cannot imagine. They will not stubbornly refuse to accept a different life-style. They will accept it as their norm and will be horrified when they learn about the barbarities of the past just as we are horrified by some of what was done very recently in historical terms.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I disagree, because what really matters, and will not change, is how flawed, imperfect, and prone to being violent and quarrelsome humans can and will be.
And future generations will either reinvent or think up new barbarisms of their own.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
You keep saying that! Prove it. I keep showing how we have changed and can continue to change. Of course I do not know what WILL happen but vast improvements (at least) are possible. New barbarisms are also possible but not inevitable.
By the way, I disagree.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Read history, look around you and see how people behave. That is my proof. Most people are not going to behave or change the ways you hope for. No, what you hope for is mere Utopianism.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
But the future WILL be different and CAN be better. History shows us change. Most people will behave differently in a completely different material and social environment. You are still imagining people as they are now transported into the future rather than entire generations growing up with different expectations, possibilities etc.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I don't believe the future will be different in anything but the merely material and technological. Such "changes" will not remove our innate flaws and propensities. Anderson it plain that was his belief as well in works as late as GENESIS.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
But the material and technological are not "mere." Used cooperatively instead of conflictingly, they can transform everyone's lives for the better and provide a base for further social and psychological developments. Someone growing up in a much better world will not have the old resentments, dissatisfactions etc. They will start in a better place. Further growth will be possible and there will be no reason not to encourage it. Resources could then be deployed for that purpose instead of into meaningless frivolities as in GENESIS.
I am not claiming that Anderson would accept my views although I am certain that he would give them a better hearing.
I cannot understand this prolonged active argument against suggestions for making the world a better place. If my ideas are unworkable, then they will not work - but something better than the present chaos and conflict CAN be done. I have neither the means nor the will to try to enforce my ideas (which would destroy them in any case) so they are futile in your opinion but in no way dangerous.
Paul.
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