What if I told you that the future isn't just something that happens to us, but something we actively imagine into existence? This episode explores the fascinating journey from a second-grader's peek at Blade Runner to understanding how entire nations use science fiction as a strategic tool for progress.
Join us for a captivating exploration of how science fiction shapes reality, featuring a personal journey that began with childhood wonder and evolved into strategic thinking about innovation. We dive deep into the origins of 'scientifiction' as an educational tool, discover how Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov's imagined technologies became reality, and uncover China's fascinating strategy of using science fiction to drive national innovation. The conversation reveals the connection between childhood curiosity, strategic imagination, and the creation of products that feel like magic - from Google to ChatGPT to the iPhone. This isn't just about entertainment; it's about understanding how imagination becomes the technology for thinking about what's possible.
"I think I was in the second grade when I sneak the peek at Blade Runner, which is for adults. And I was just fascinated, like, what? Like, machines robots? Like, what is that?"
— Sharat (00:45)
"Science fiction is such an important lesson to be able to push your mind to think you can just do things."
— Sharat (07:45)
"Science fiction isn't just entertainment. It's a technology for thinking about what's possible."
— Sharat (09:15)
Subscribe to never miss episodes exploring how imagination shapes our reality
