Some Speculation

Dan Simmons is a science fiction that I am somewhat familiar with; his novel Hyperion has been on my 'to read' list for some now. A couple of months ago he wrote this piece on his website; it excited so much commentary - and controversy - that he felt obliged to write a follow-up essay.

I would recomend you read them both. They are very thought provoking, as no doubt Mr. Simmons intended. Some of you may find the essays upsetting. Here is the author's caveat (from the second of the two pieces):

Do be warned that if you are new to my books and my writing and my web site and—perhaps most pertinently—to my monthly Messages, and if you were brought here by some blog- or web-link only to the "controversial" previous message, you will be disappointed by the following discussion. You’ll be especially disappointed if you are expecting polemics, apologetics, pure politics, or a simple reinforcement of whatever prejudice or passion you’re bringing to the proceedings.

This is a writer’s web site.