You know, I feel like there is a third option.TGLS wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 12:22 amIsn't that the fate of all science fiction? Extremely prescient or dated the point of mockery.Rocketboy1313 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 12:02 am "Island" is one of those science fiction stories that is definitely part of the canon, but it is also one of those stories whose sci-fi aspects are so out of date that they just do not connect with audiences like they did at the time (the discussion about vivisection great illustration of the point).
The modern equivalent of this would be something more like Jurassic Park, island of monsters, man's hubris, fears of science run amok... but you know, science that still seems viable and realistic.
The stuff in "Island" is borderline sorcery.
If you make a coherent social commentary with technology that is not explained, emphasize the effect of the new science, rather than the cause if you understand my meaning, then I think it hits timelessness.
I would actually point to "The War of the Worlds" as one of those timeless works. They don't really talk about how the alien weapons work, instead the focus is on the "society falls apart" and "wrath of nature" themes are the core. It is science fiction, there are fantastical elements, and there is a logical scientific ending, but the nuts and bolts are not detailed so it holds up.
