Fatshimetrie
We live in an era of contradictions: while the world of rock music seems to be losing its spark, the Gallagher brothers of Oasis continue to provide a spectacle by hurling insults at each other on social media. Their public rivalry makes for an entertaining spectacle, but sometimes one can’t help but shudder at the thought of returning to timeless classics of music.
If we compare authors to rock stars, books can be considered songs, or even albums. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that there are hardly any rock stars to admire anymore, except for the Gallagher brothers. However, if we can bestow the title of “rock star” on some active creatives, it would rather be those rebellious celebrity chefs who have gained popularity in recent years.
In this context, it is sometimes comforting to delve back into the old hits that marked our past. Although the esteemed team of the Fatshimetrie newspaper usually reserves this space for new releases, today I invite you to discover an older work that deserves to be rediscovered by a greater number of people.
In 1996, during my first year of university at the University of the Orange Free State, I was amazed by the grandeur of the Sasol Library. Seven floors of books were accessible to me, offering an unparalleled cultural wealth. Having free time to spare, I immersed myself in many readings, seeking to enrich myself with knowledge and literary discoveries.
It was at this time that I discovered the novel “Blood Music” by Greg Bear. Published in 1985, this book features the renegade biotechnologist Vergil Ulam, who manages to transform white blood cells into proto-simple computers, thus giving cells a level of intelligence reminiscent of that of rhesus monkeys.
The plot unfolds as Ulam is forced by his employers to destroy his groundbreaking work, fearing the implications of these revolutionary nanocomputers. Refusing to see his work destroyed, Ulam injects a portion of the noocytes, his modified cells, into his own body.
The consequences of this experiment are astounding: the noocytes evolve rapidly, dramatically improving Ulam’s health and performance. But this artificial intelligence proves to be a double-edged sword, as the noocytes modify their environment to suit their needs, to the point of threatening Ulam’s very existence.
Bear’s work explores profound themes such as evolution, technology, and the ethical limits of science. With narrative finesse, the author paints a fascinating universe where innovation leads to radical transformation, calling into question the very nature of humanity.
Thus, “Blood Music” stands as a classic of science fiction, a powerful and relevant story that still resonates strongly today. In these uncertain times, when technology is shaping our future, this visionary work resonates as a warning about the dangers of playing with the limits of artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, science fiction literature such as that of Greg Bear nourishes our reflection and stimulates our imagination, inviting us to explore the complex ramifications of our technological advances. As the world evolves at a frantic pace, the timeless stories of “Blood Music” continue to fascinate and challenge, reminding us that the ethical and moral questions raised by science fiction remain more relevant than ever.