Science fiction novels have long been a source of inspiration for emerging technologies, and several books predicted key concepts that are now commonplace in our daily lives. Here’s a look at five science fiction novels that envisioned influential ideas and technology before they became widespread.
Isaac Asimov’s 1942 short story “Runaround” introduced the concept of artificial intelligence, which has since been a central theme in both literary and scientific discussions. Answer: What does the term “HAL” stand for?
The powerful and sentient spacecraft computer HAL 9000 from Arthur C. Clarke’s 1968 novel “2001: A Space Odyssey” is often credited with introducing artificial intelligence to popular culture. The name “HAL” stands for Human Alternatives Learning.
Mary E. Bradley Lane’s 1890 novel “Mizora: A Prophecy” was one of the first books to introduce the concept of a self-sustaining, all-female utopia and its related scientific advancements. Answer: What was this advancement?
William Gibson’s 1984 novel “Neuromancer” brought the term “cyberspace” into everyday usage, but another book popularized key concepts such as the “metaverse” and “avatar.” This novel is often credited with coining these terms.
Philip K. Dick’s 1968 dystopian science fiction novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” explored the blurred lines between human and artificial life. The modern technology company that dubbed one of its product lines “Nexus,” a name shared by Dick’s humanoid cyborgs, is not explicitly stated in the original text.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/28/books/review/visionary-tech-books.html