Science Fiction as the Mythology of the Future
Jan 28, 2026When most people think of science fiction, they think of entertainment—movies, spaceships, or futuristic gadgets. Tom Lombardo invites us to see something deeper.
In our second episode, Tom describes science fiction as the mythology of the future.
For most of human history, cultures have relied on stories to explain where we came from, what matters, and where we are going. Ancient myths helped people make sense of creation, morality, and destiny. Science fiction plays that same role today—but with a modern understanding of psychology, science, and society.
What makes story so powerful is not accuracy, but impact. Narratives shape identity. They influence values. They offer models for how humans behave under pressure, uncertainty, and change. This is why science fiction reaches places that theory and data cannot.
Tom emphasizes that science fiction is not just about technology. It explores the future of everything: ethics, relationships, governance, identity, and consciousness. Through imagined worlds, we test ideas long before we encounter them in reality.
Importantly, science fiction is pluralistic. There is no single vision of the future. Different authors explore different fears, hopes, and possibilities. Some imagine utopias. Others warn of dystopias. Together, they expand our collective imagination.
For leaders and educators, this matters deeply. People do not engage with abstract predictions alone. They engage with stories that help them feel the future. When learners encounter complex futures through narrative, they develop empathy, foresight, and ethical awareness.
If we want wiser futures, we need richer stories.
Reflection Question:
What stories—fictional or cultural—most influence how you imagine humanity’s future?
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