ChapterZero

Everytime I read a really good scifi novel, or one that at least persuades me to think, I start compiling a list of qualities that good scifi novels tend to share. Some of them are:

• realism
• smart machines/AI
• interlacing of technology and society
• epic scope
• a focus on people

I’m a little surprised to see that is as specific as I can get at the moment. Anyhow, the prototypical good scifi novels are Vernor Vinge’s works.

One of my math student friends, who is graduating next semester, told me about the University of Chicago. I checked out their website, and was surprised to see that what he told me is true: they give full support to all their students! Definitely, I’ll be applying there. And anywhere else that I can find with that kind of deal.