By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 13, during an event in Yangquan celebrating science fiction, renowned Chinese author Liu Cixin discussed the idea of Mars colonization and offered his insights on Elon Musk. When asked if he’d be open to migrating to Mars, Liu said with a smile, “If it’s a round trip, I’d love to take a look at Mars. But if it’s one-way, that would be difficult for me because I have a lot of work and a family here on Earth.”
Liu described Musk as someone who seems to have “jumped out of a science fiction novel.” He commended Musk for turning many concepts from science fiction into reality. Although Liu acknowledged that the Mars colonization plan is likely to face significant challenges, he expressed his hope for Musk’s success.
The second Liu Cixin Hometown Science Fiction Cultural Week opened in Yangquan, a city known for its advanced autonomous driving initiatives, including self-driving taxis and delivery vehicles. Reflecting on these advancements, Liu mentioned that he has not yet experienced a self-driving car but often sees autonomous delivery vehicles on the streets. He noted that while autonomous driving technology has matured significantly, the barriers to its widespread adoption may lie more in societal acceptance than in technical limitations.
Liu elaborated on the societal impacts of new technologies replacing older ones, referencing the Luddite movement of the 18th century when workers protested against machinery. “We may be facing a similar historical turning point today,” he stated. “If we make the right choices, we can usher in a new era of productivity.”
Liu Cixin, who was born in Beijing and moved to Yangquan as a child, began his career in 1999 with short stories published in “Science Fiction World.” His acclaimed novel “The Three-Body Problem” was serialized in 2006 and went on to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, marking a significant milestone as the first time an Asian author received this honor.