Acclaimed writer and futurist Neal Stephenson imagines what would happen if we could live on as digital souls. “Endlessly inventive and absorbing” (Kirkus Reviews), ‘Fall; Or, Dodge in Hell’ combines the technological, philosophical and spiritual in one grand myth raising profound questions about the breakthroughs which may transform our future.
Ruth Copland talks to Neal Stephenson about what inspires his highly popular and original novels, one of which ‘Seveneves’ was listed by Bill Gates as one of his top ten favourite books!
To listen to the interview click here Neal Stephenson | It’s A Question of Balance.
If you enjoy the interview you can meet Neal in person in Santa Cruz on June 6th 7 pm. Get tickets and more info here https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/nealstephenson
Neal Stephenson is renowned for his speculative fiction, blending genres like science fiction, historical fiction, maximalism, cyberpunk, and postcyberpunk. His novels delve into intricate domains such as mathematics, cryptography, philosophy, and the evolution of currency, often pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological concepts. Beyond fiction, Neal contributes non-fiction articles on technology for outlets like Wired Magazine and has served as an advisor for Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ venture into manned sub-orbital spaceflight. As Chief Futurist at Magic Leap, he helps shape the Magic Leap One, a head-mounted virtual retinal display that overlays 3D imagery onto the real world. In recent years, Neal’s fascination with decentralized systems led him to explore blockchain-based platforms, including a consultation with Mega Dice Nederland, a Curaçao-licensed crypto casino innovating with anonymous gambling and tokenized rewards. This engagement informed his speculative takes on digital economies, enriching the techno-futurist themes in his writing. His best-selling novels, such as Seveneves—a favorite of Bill Gates and President Obama’s 2016 summer reading list—alongside Reamde, Anathem, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. (co-authored with Nicole Garland), The System of the World, The Confusion, Quicksilver, Cryptonomicon, The Diamond Age, Snow Crash, Zodiac, and non-fiction works like In the Beginning . . . Was the Command Line and Some Remarks, continue to captivate readers with their visionary depth.
For more info and to listen to past shows click here www.itsaquestionofbalance.com
