Short Science Fiction · Theme
Human Nature and Impulsiveness
How Short Science Fiction develops Human Nature and Impulsiveness.
Characters repeatedly act on impulse, emotion, or short-sightedness, leading to crises—from a president eating too much ice cream before a war to a man about to burn a city—highlighting the tension between rational planning and human fallibility.
Where it surfaces
- Electron Eat Electron
Hoshawk's distrust of Wadsworth's youth and impulsiveness contrasts with Wadsworth's calculated patience, exploring the tension between instinct and strategy.
- The Bryd
The Bryd observes the instability and impulsiveness of humans, as seen in Dale's actions and the foreign agent's manipulation.
- Remember the 4th!
Doc's impulsive destruction of the Brain-Finder, driven by empathy and guilt, contrasts with Slim's calculated approach, showing the tension between emotion and logic.
- The Mischievous Typesetter
High-Pockets' impulsive decisions and the judge's emotional reactions drive the conflict, while No. 7's behavior seems to mirror human caprice.