"With the development of science fiction literature to this point, it needs some major changes to restore its vitality. As for what this kind of change will look like, I think we can only wait for time to answer. I really don't know."
On October 18, the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention kicked off. This is also the first time the World Science Fiction Convention has entered China. Before the opening ceremony, science fiction writer Liu Cixin discussed with the media the importance of science fiction creation and the development trend of Chinese science fiction, and also provided "advice" for the younger generation of science fiction writers.
Liu Cixin was interviewed. Photo provided by the organizer
This era requires imagination
"Our era definitely needs science fiction, because our era itself is being rapidly changed by technology." Talking about the importance of science fiction, Liu Cixin believes that technology penetrates into all aspects of society, and the combination of technology and imagination, It can describe a picture of the future and allow humans to reach those distant cosmic spaces.
"A historian once said that the reason why we humans have been able to create civilization and reach this day is because we can use our imagination to create a world that we do not have in reality." He said that science fiction is such a literary genre , this era needs science fiction.
In Liu Cixin’s view, science fiction is a literary genre that, unlike other literary genres, is divided into countries, races, cultures, and beliefs. Although science fiction also has these elements, generally in science fiction, humans appear as a whole.
"In science fiction, the earth is just a speck of dust in the universe. We are all a whole and live on this dust." Liu Cixin believes that science fiction literature is the most resonant subject matter for people of different cultures, races, and countries. , because the dream described in it is a common dream of all mankind, and the nightmares and crises described are also nightmares and crises that mankind must face together, so it is indeed a bridge connecting different cultures around the world.
At the same time, he pointed out that science fiction, like other literary genres, has its historical mission and its historical stage of existence, even if the changes in the technological environment and living environment in the future are difficult to imagine. "But I think one thing is for sure, that is, the most precious thing for human beings, that is, imagination will always exist, and this imagination will also be expressed in some form of art for everyone to appreciate and share."
As for how human imagination is expressed in the distant future, is it science fiction or something more sci-fi? Liu Cixin is unpredictable but full of expectations.
The transformation of science fiction literature is left to the times to answer
The sense of magic brought by technology provides nourishment for the birth of science fiction works, but the rapid development of science and technology also brings challenges to the creation of science fiction works.
Liu Cixin admitted that she has been working hard on writing since her last work was published. "When I started writing the work, I felt very shocked, but when I was halfway through writing, the times had caught up with me. I felt it was boring, so I started writing it again, and the time was just wasted."
"No matter what science fiction becomes, its initial birth is based on the magical feeling of science. This magical feeling is very important to science fiction." He pointed out that science and technology are now integrated into all aspects of life. It also loses this sense of magic, which at least has a huge impact on traditional science fiction novels.
Although current science fiction writers are trying to use more expression techniques, more literary techniques, and more angles to create science fiction, Liu Cixin feels that the results are not ideal so far.
"With the development of science fiction literature to this point, it needs some major changes to restore its vitality. As for what this kind of change will look like, I think we can only wait for time to answer. I really don't know." Liu Cixin said.
Perhaps this also highlights the significance of this World Science Fiction Conference. He believes that this platform allows people from different parts of the world and different countries, including science fiction readers and writers, to fully communicate, integrate and collide, and integrate their own thoughts and ideas. "The world's science fiction literature is at a point of profound change. Taking this opportunity allows us to make in-depth discussions and plans for the future development of science fiction literature, and also allows science fiction culture to develop better in the future."
Chinese science fiction is developing in the direction of letting a hundred flowers bloom
When asked about the development of science fiction in China, Liu Cixin said that the most benign situation for the development of science fiction in China should be a hundred flowers blooming. "I think China's science fiction is also developing in this relatively good direction. At present, Chinese science fiction is still characterized by a very diverse style."
He pointed out that the opportunities for the future development of China's science fiction do not depend on science fiction itself, nor on science fiction writers, publishers, and publishers. The biggest opportunity for the development of China's science fiction is China's development itself. "When China can develop further and more rapidly based on the current situation, making this country full of futuristic feeling and making its future more attractive, that will be the greatest support and support for the development of science fiction."
Liu Cixin is optimistic about the current development of Chinese science fiction. He believes that Chinese science fiction literature has developed rapidly after China's reform and opening up, and has developed from a marginal existence to a literary subject that has a large audience and attracted much attention, and many works are going abroad. .
During the interview, he also offered advice to the younger generation of science fiction writers. He hopes that young writers can look beyond the limited scope of their own lives and see a broader time and space.
At the same time, be realistic and try not to write science fiction full-time. "Otherwise, you may face huge difficulties in life. The current science fiction market can also support writers, but it may make your life difficult. This will extinguish your creative enthusiasm. It is best to keep it as a hobby. When you develop to a certain level and can support your own life, you can then turn it into a professional."
