Science Fiction has always dived into what’s possible with technology and space. Breaking rules, lateral thinking, and immense imagination characterize the genre, but so too does predicting the future. While not as frequent, some past science fiction novels have predicted current events in mind-boggling ways. Below are six 1960s sci-fi paperbacks that predicted the future, from A.I. to overpopulation.
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Starting our list of 1960s sci-fi paperbacks is 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. Written concurrently with the classic film, 2001 is packed with details that would later become real life. For instance, technology used in the book is prevalent today, including tablet computers, teleconferencing, robotic satellites, face and voice recognition, orbital space stations, and of course, A.I.
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5. Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison
Next on our list of 1960s sci-fi paperbacks is Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison. Instead of focusing primarily on technology, Harrison instead addressed overpopulation concerns. His novel became both a sci-fi prophecy and an exciting NYC crime story. The novel also inspired the 1973 film Soylent Green where an unchecked population growth triggers a shocking solution to food shortages.
4. Necromancer by Gordon R. Dickson
Fourth on our list of 1960s sci-fi paperbacks is Necromancer by Gordon R. Dickson. While there wasn’t as many concrete predictions within Dickson’s novel, it does explore the philosophical and societal inventions of the future. These include the impact of technology, social fragmentation, the relationship between science and the unknown, and the ever-present evolution of humanity.
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3. The Machine That Won the War by Isaac Asimov
Rounding out the top three 1960s sci-fi paperbacks that predict the future is “The Machine That Won the War,” a short story that appears in Nightfall and Other Stories by Isaac Asimov. In the story, there is a supercomputer called Multivac, which is capable of analyzing massive amounts of data. The computer is making important decisions during a complex war, and hints at the growing dependency of humans on advanced computing systems, such as A.I., in our everyday lives.
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2. Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner
Second on our list of 1960s sci-fi paperbacks is Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner. Brunner is known for his predictions of the future in his novels, and Zanzibar is no different. Set in 2010, the novel predicted advancements such as the internet, video calls, legalization of same-sex marriage, the rise of China, the EU, and even the use of Viagra. The novel also dives into other problems such as mass surveillance and the impact of technology on daily life.
1. The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner
Last but not least on our 1960s sci-fi paperbacks that predict the future list is The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner. This novel highlighted concerns of racial tensions, violence, and technological surveillance. The 21st-century America in The Jagged Orbit deals with racial schisms and firearm availability leading to social unrest, leading to consequences from unchecked societal divisions. It also touches upon how technology and media manipulation can be used to suppress dissention amongst different groups.
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