Science in Literature

Let's break our first bubble.

Photo by Amin Hasani on Unsplash

Have you ever thought of science and literature together? Often, we're used to view them as two separate realms of knowledge, two distinct disciplines, each with its unique methods and languages. Even our daily lives and professions seem to reinforce this divide. But let's take a step back; this schism is a relatetively "new" development. Until the 19th century, we had one overarching term for those who delved into the mysteries of nature: natural philosophy. And isn't this what literature is? What science is? The "study of nature." Or so it seems.

In our search for knowledge, we turned nature into the object of our study and forgot that, in many ways, it serves as our most profound teacher. Nature is not just a source of information we can control. Instead, we must tread lightly, and allow it to speak to us. This is the essence of my writing - to listen.

Photo by Aideal Hwa on Unsplash

So what about the uses of science in literature? Usually, it's the genre of science fiction or speculative fiction which first spring to mind. Space travel, time travel, fantastical realms,and groundbreaking technologies - these are our first thoughts and expectations. However, I propose a more subtle way in which we can engage with science in literature. We don't always need extraordinary scenarios to bring them together; no utopian, dystopian, or apocalyptic scenarios. Just plain, old, simple science. My stories embrace what I fondly refer to as "ordinary science."

Within my book, I strive to explore less popular scientific concepts... from geological wonders to anatomical curiosities, from the metamorphism of rocks to magnetoreception or the intricacies of combustion processes. Science extends far beyond the confines of genetics, brain science, or AI, captivating as they may be. My true passion lies in the simple scientific curiosities that prompt us to pause and marvel.

Here's a recent revelation that I actually learned from Alexa: although we long believed giraffes to be mute, they, in fact, spend the evenings humming, much like bees.

Photo by Andreas Rasmussen on Unsplash

So, my stories are a unique blend of science writing with a twist - a form of speculative fiction, not because they conjure extraodinary applications of science, but because they embrace the realm of "ordinary science."

At the same time, my stories are more than mere conduits of scientific themes. They are literary fiction, designed to underscore the enduring importance of literature, especially in a world dominated by technology and science. They highlight the limitations of scientific language and pick up where science leaves off. Literature has the power to explore our intimate relationships with nature, forge new connections, and give birth to fresh thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

So, I ask you: What does literature mean to you? What role does it play in your world?

#whatisliterature #meaningofliterature #importanceofliterature #literatureandscience #scienceandliterature #scienceinliterature #speculativefiction #sciencefiction #ordinaryscience #ordinary #simplicity #scientificthemes #literaryfiction #geology #anatomy #magnetoreception #metamorphism #combustion #naturalphilosophy #nature #studyofnature #marvelsofnature #wondersofnature #giraffes #usesofscience #naturalphilosophy