Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich

In sci-fi convention, life-forms that hadn't developed space travel were mere prehistory -- horse-shoe crabs of the cosmic scene -- and something of the humiliation of being stuck on a provincial planet in a galactic backwater has stayed with me ever since.

In sci-fi convention, life-forms that hadn't developed space

Summary

This quote suggests that in the science fiction genre, civilizations that have not yet mastered space travel are considered only a stepping stone in the grand scheme of the universe. The comparison of these underdeveloped civilizations to horseshoe crabs, ancient creatures that have remained largely unchanged for millions of years, implies a sense of insignificance and backwardness. The speaker reflects on feeling humiliated by the idea of being trapped on a provincial planet in a remote corner of the galaxy, highlighting a personal dissatisfaction with their perceived lack of progress and exploration.

Topics

Science Fiction

By Barbara Ehrenreich

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