Interview with Neal Stephenson: Can Science Fiction Help Solve Our Biggest Problems?

MC: Well, you did a great job asking questions, especially someone like Neal, because when we were teenagers we all used to read his books. And as you said, his philosophy has somehow internalized our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. It must be very nice to interview someone who is completely like a worm in your brain.

EKIN: Well, that’s another thing. I mean, yes. Not only have I read them all … People ask me if I like the book or if I think the book is good. And the only thing I can answer is, “I can’t answer that,” because there isn’t … What am I going to do? Don’t read? I have read all of his books since 1992. I still remember holding the camera I showed him in this interview that I had a copy of when I bought the book because I was cutting out summer work. go to the bookstore and pick up things. I said, “What is this?” And you read it. First 30, 40 pages Snow Accident they are some of the best … He is one of the best protagonists in the history of science fiction.

It’s like, “What the hell is this?” And I’ve read it ever since. It’s like when people ask me if I’m thinking about the new season Who is Dr. was it good or something? Well, what am I going to do … there is no answer. I won’t see it. So it doesn’t really matter. I don’t know if it will be for you, but it’s for me.

And in fact, Neal was one of the first science fiction writers I interviewed when I started as a journalist. I was talking to science fiction writers about the nerdiness culture that was building in the 90s. He was one of the first to make me excited to receive the call. So somehow, God, I was going to say that a kind of book had ended my career. I hope that’s not going well.

MC: Well, we hope to stop a little longer.

LG: Yes. I think what you just described are the goals of this podcast, people are “Well, what am I going to do?” Listen to it now.

EKIN: Yes, how would that work?

LG: Neal Stephenson is with Adam Rogers and Michael Calore, and Lauren is that person. We need to listen.

EKIN: I don’t see people figuring out how not to hear this. No.

MC: Okay. Well, we need to listen. So let’s take a break. And back from the break, we hear him talking to author Adam Neal Stephenson earlier this month on RE: WIRED.

[Break]

EKIN: Hello, welcome to another session of RE: WIRED. I am Adam Rogers, the chief correspondent for the publication, the magazine, and the website. And I’m thrilled to welcome one of my favorite science fiction writers, Neal Stephenson. Thank you for being with us, Neal, we are so grateful.