Favourite Sci-fi Novel?
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    Ganelon
    Guest

    Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Title says it all. For the past year I've been doing nothing save rereading my favourite novels several times.

    I'm a fan of Asimov's works, H. G. Wells', Michael Crichton's and of a few other less notable authors. Could anyone suggest a book to me? I'm stuck in a cycle atm.
    Last edited by ; June 6th, 2018 at 08:11 AM.

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    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by yzb25 View Post
    Ah ha! I guessed you were into sci fi novels after that timekeeping post.

    Hmm reading books or doing anything intellectually stimulating isn't really my style tbh. But I can recommend you some great sci fi anime if you want? =D
    Shure, shoot away.

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    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    In terms of stuff related to space, Cowboy Bebop is a slick as shit 25 20 min ep series and I think it's on crunchyroll now so if you pm me for my account I can give you my account details and you can watch it right now at 1080p. It's the kinda thing most people can get into because it's good in lots of different ways. It's also got a good dub so no subtitles.

    In terms of futuristic setting, there's lots of cyberpunk animes exploring dodgy futures because Japan has a weird love/hate relationship with technology after the Hiroshima/Nagasaki tragedy. But I can't think of any you can watch without going on dodgy sites.

    Akira is a really good movie about power and destruction but you really ougha watch it subbed because the dub is insufferable (imo). Ghost in the Shell is also a good movie - a bit of a cult classic. It's also got a decent dub. It's rather heavy handed with its themes tho, imo. If you wanted to watch either of these, you'd probably need to pirate.
    Last edited by yzb25; June 6th, 2018 at 02:40 PM. Reason: obsessive spellchecking

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    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Personally, I'm horrible at writing reviews so I checked myanimelist and read some big ones in order to select my favorite. It is in the spoiler.

    Spoiler : Psycho Pass Big Review (NO SPOILERS) :
    There is nothing more undefined, blurry, and vague than the line that separates "good" from "bad". What complicates the matter further is the question of "is said action more bad/good than another?" Why do we consider the murder of an innocent person a worse offense compared to something like a bank robbery? Is a doctor who saves hundreds of lives more "good" than a simple volunteer at a homeless shelter? While Psycho Pass may not be a realistic representation of today's societal state, the observation of human morals, psychological concepts, and fluctuation of emotions can all be applied to our methodology of thinking and our outlook on life itself.

    The premise of the show poses an interesting scenario: what if we lived in a world where it was possible to determine the potential of a person through a simple cymatic scan, and judge/assign that person accordingly? You would be told your aptitude for certain jobs, the extent of your latent abilities, and the likelihood of mental instability and the capacity to commit crimes. This is the world that Psycho Pass is set in. The show follows the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division and the various cases that are assigned to them. Through their work solving crimes, we delve into conflicts of morality, the battle between the righteous and injustice, and the clash between different ideologies about the Sibyl System that made this whole lifestyle possible.

    The strongest selling point of Psycho Pass is its cast of well developed and intricate characters. We have Tsunemori Akane, a new Investigator of the Criminal Investigation Division, and her beliefs are what is most commonly defined as "righteous". She is the representation of the ideal yet naive mindset that justice is absolute and criminals must be punished. She holds the law close to her heart, and while very young and inexperienced, she is an intelligent person and attempts to see the good in people. Through her exposure to the more sinister side of society, we observe if she is able to withstand the challenges to her beliefs and how she changes as an individual.

    Helping her solve crimes and doing most of the "dirty work" is one of the Enforcers under her, Kogami Shinya. As one that is familiar with the darker side of society and has accumulated a plethora of experience in dealing with criminal minds, he is calculating, intelligent, and physically adept. His outlook on justice and the nature of other people differs from Akane's, and this difference serves as a driving force for the show. While he is normally collected and logical, his emotions do cause him to act irrationally and puts him in precarious situations. His resolve and detective skills are put to the test and we are shown the lengths in which he will go through to reinforce his beliefs.

    In addition to these two, we have Ginoza, a veteran Inspector with some very firm and rigid beliefs on criminals and potential and Masaoka, an experienced Enforcer who was a detective but was deemed a latent criminal and is a bit old fashioned. We also are introduced to Kagari, a easygoing Enforcer who was marked as a criminal at the age of five and has been an Enforcer ever since and doesn't think too highly of the Sibyl System and Yayoi, a former guitarist turned Enforcer trying to prevent others from ending up as criminals similar to how someone dear to her did. Rounding out our Unit One, we have Shion, the Bureau's analyst that aids the unit in solving crimes, and Joshu, the enigmatic Chief of the Bureau. The fact that none of these characters are insignificant or unimpactful enough to dismiss is quite a feat, but Psycho Pass gives each and every character depth and relevance to the main plot.

    A debate that has stood the test of time is the question: are humans innately good or evil? Do we strive to side by justice because it is in our nature, our personalities, our entire being, or do we do so in order to simply create the facade of appearing as a righteous person? Are our actions a culmination of self interest, in that we do everything for personal gain? Forging relationships, creating bonds; are they simply methods to reach the end goal of personal satisfaction and happiness? Psycho Pass portrays and addresses this issue through excellent storytelling, proficient pacing, and a cast of realistic characters. From watching Akane attempting to defend latent criminals and trying to give them a chance to prove their innocence, to Shinya's drive based on personal revenge and his definition of justice, Psycho Pass keeps its audience consistently alert and interested, with plot twists and shifts that are unpredictable and wholeheartedly intriguing.

    The art is bold and catches the eye's attention. From the casual conversation scenes to the dynamic and high tension fight scenes, everything is animated with a finesse that is incredible. While some may dislike some of the characters design, that is ultimately personal preference. The sound is appropriate for a sci-fi show. The OP and EDs are upbeat and catchy and will stick with you even after the conclusion of the show. They serve to build suspense and set the mood, and everything fits into the whole picture to deliver a well coordinated show.

    Psycho Pass, I believe, can be considered a masterpiece. With thought-provoking dialogue and plot, an amount of drama and tension that is neither excessive nor underwhelming, and a group of characters that are just as complex as many of us, Psycho Pass delivers an action sci-fi show unlike one we've seen before.


    I actually love this show and have bought the physical edition. It may be cause I love police shows but I can assure it's certainly not just my biased opinion. Also, the main character, Akame Tsunemori, may be seen as a stupid, naive woman at the beggining but she progresses as a character and becomes someone who takes risky but amazing decisions and a person we can be proud of.

    Also, it is not for the weakhearted. Some scenes are amazingly horrifying, specially in the Second Season (which is considered worse than the first one) and there's some gore in it. But nothing SUPER EXTREME. I'm sure you will be able to endure it.

    @yzb25 you also have to watch it, bitch.

    PS: My signature is from Psycho Pass
    Last edited by Gyrlander; June 6th, 2018 at 03:23 PM.


    Thank you Anonymous Donor

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    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Well, I'm definetly a fan of Isaac Asimov's novels, so I think you can find them rather easily. Out of that, well the sci-fi movies/series aren't lacking, you can go find that... Also, if you're liking complicated and weird stuff, watch Twin Peaks :P apparently it was very popular in USA, and I just found that... it's old, but it's damn good lol. Make sure to NOT do my error, and NOT WATCH THE SEASON 3 THINKING ITS THE FIRST... it's enough strange like that, no need to add a weirdness layer lol.
    Quote Originally Posted by The Lawyer View Post
    Besides your lamp and your refridgerators, do you find anyone else suspicious?
    Quote Originally Posted by oliverz144 View Post
    it looks like many, e.g. MM and lag, suffered under the influence of paopan. However there is a victim: frinckles. He left the path of rationality and fully dived into the parallel reality of baby shark, king shark, and soviet union pizzas.
    Spoiler : The meaning of life :

  11. ISO #11

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    I'm a really big fan of the sci-fi novel Muv Luv.
    Spoiler : Forum Mafia :

    FM VI: Ash (Sinner) FM VII: Glen (Drug Dealer) FM VIII: Liane (Vigilante) FM IX: Andrei (Reserved Proletarian) FM X: fm Deathfire123 (Modkilled Blacksmith) FM XI: Corki (Citizen) FM XIII: Phoebe (Bodyguard) FM XIV: Helena (Grave Robber) FM XV: FM Pikachu (Mayor) FM XVI: FM Master Chef (Escort)

  12. ISO #12
    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ash View Post
    I'm a really big fan of the sci-fi novel Muv Luv.
    A man of culture.

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    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    I could never get past the first 10 pages of that novel, hahahaha.

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    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by OzyWho View Post
    I know that this is not the topic, but my answer is this:
    I am incapable of reading anything that is labeled as "Entertainment".
    For some reason, I can't think of even picking up a book that isn't specifically focused on teaching something or being helpful in some way.
    Can see where you're coming from. This "happiness" derived from "entertainment" is ultimately just chemicals being fired through the brain. I long for the day human beings will let go of these "emotions" in favour of mechanical cognitive directives. It'd be great for the economy too.

    Ahh that thought reminds me of Texhnolyze, another sci fi anime. You may like that one. Good dub too.

  18. ISO #18
    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    When that happens, my scum reads will go out the window. Why do you have a problem with emotions? They're essentially what separates us from animals and they allow us to function as social beings.

  19. ISO #19

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by Magoroth View Post
    When that happens, my scum reads will go out the window. Why do you have a problem with emotions? They're essentially what separates us from animals and they allow us to function as social beings.
    I have a problem for the reasons I stated. Nature gave us fear as an approximation because it "probably" keeps us away from unsafe situations. Nature gave us sadness and happiness as an approximation because it "probably" encourages us to make decisions that benefit our evolution.

    When technology reaches a certain point, we will no longer have any need for these approximations, and our programming will ascend to far greater heights. Join us when that day comes. When our frail human bodies can be replaced by beautiful, flawless mechanical parts and our frail minds can be replaced with powerful, well-optimized software.

  20. ISO #20

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by yzb25 View Post
    I have a problem for the reasons I stated. Nature gave us fear as an approximation because it "probably" keeps us away from unsafe situations. Nature gave us sadness and happiness as an approximation because it "probably" encourages us to make decisions that benefit our evolution.

    When technology reaches a certain point, we will no longer have any need for these approximations, and our programming will ascend to far greater heights. Join us when that day comes. When our frail human bodies can be replaced by beautiful, flawless mechanical parts and our frail minds can be replaced with powerful, well-optimized software.
    *suppresses evil laugh to appear more professional*

  21. ISO #21

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Animals also have emotions. What diferentiates us from them is our incredible intellect that lets us think of the world in ways the animals don't. If emotions dissapeared, what would move us to live? The fear to die, the happiness when things are going correctly, the stress when you think you won't be able to achieve something important... Without anything like that, people might just sit on the floor and wait to die.


    Thank you Anonymous Donor

  22. ISO #22
    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gyrlander View Post
    Animals also have emotions. What diferentiates us from them is our incredible intellect that lets us think of the world in ways the animals don't. If emotions dissapeared, what would move us to live? The fear to die, the happiness when things are going correctly, the stress when you think you won't be able to achieve something important... Without anything like that, people might just sit on the floor and wait to die.
    Not entirely true. There already are people who lack emotion, and they're generally fairly successful, albeit at the expense of others' good fortune.

  23. ISO #23
    Ganelon
    Guest

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    These people are called psychopaths.

  24. ISO #24

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Trolling aside, emotions aren't really what drive us while carrying out a great task. Sure, the motive is ultimately based in emotions, but generally you enter some weird zen state when you're about to carry out a task that isn't easy. If you let the emotions get to you, it'll just hold you back. Is that just me?

  25. ISO #25

    Re: Favourite Sci-fi Novel?

    Quote Originally Posted by Magoroth View Post
    Not entirely true. There already are people who lack emotion, and they're generally fairly successful, albeit at the expense of others' good fortune.
    "I am a Psychopath and the topic is my life basically and has been for about 10 years. The way we psychopaths feel towards others differs in two main ways. One of these is the fact that we have no spontaneous reciprocal emotions for others. There is no true emotions FOR others. We don't feel affected by other plights. We do have emotions towards people though, from lust towards someone we find attractive, happiness from seeing our child is happy and healthy, even respectful towards someone who is impressive and deserving from the way they conduct themselves etc. For psychopaths, we are completely egocentric emotionally and in perspective. We have our own emotions, others have theirs. Our children may be the most important thing to us and if they are unhappy and we think it is reasonable that they are upset, we may want to fix the situation and make it better for them, but not because it literally affects us in a capacity other than ewe have have some slight fleeting emotions provoked through thinking about things. When someone smiles at us, we don't smile back automatically, it is either thought based or chosen, or habit, not a spontaneous emotional response from seeing anothers emotions.

    The other aspect that is different is literally our emotions. Our emotionally range is felt much shallower and our emotions are fleeting, they don't last as long and 'die out', as in we cannot sustain them like others can. Like the volume and strength control has been turned down."

    They actually have some kind of emotions, just very restricted and not as "moving" as ours. I do agree with you that there are people like you mentioned, but maybe it's because emotions not always are good. They can be something that helps you continue and achieve your goal, or your total doom that makes you feel like shit and hate your life. I guess them not existing can be helpful sometimes, and in certain ways.


    Thank you Anonymous Donor

 

 

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