# Things we know about the future based on fiction **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 3, 2015, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825 "2015-01-03T02:32:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/41 "2015-01-08T18:46:48Z")
In the future it really sucks to be the Statue of Liberty. It’s going to have a very bad day. Over and over again. There are many different visions of the future from many novelists and movie makers, but one thing they all agree upon is that the Statue of Liberty has no future. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/42 "2015-01-08T18:55:29Z")
Benevolent aliens from technologically superior civilizations speak with British accents. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/43 "2015-01-08T18:58:33Z")
Time travel will be possible but only used in a couple of really extreme situations and ignored the rest of the time even when the emergency seems much greater than the one in which they used it before. We will not encounter any alien life forms more exotic than an octopus and in fact unlike an octopus they will be bipedal and incapable of breathing underwater, but they will have weird heads. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/44 "2015-01-08T19:11:17Z")
[In the future, astronauts will fly in business suits!](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/45 "2015-01-08T19:40:59Z")
> [@JoshuaSD](#): > > Despite massive leaps in all forms of science any hand fired weapon will, when fired at the “good guys,” shoot out on a strange angle so as to hit the wall somewhere high and to the right of the target. Furthermore in defiance of to the normal laws of nature, the laser beam fired from these blasters will be easily tracked by the naked eye. And those futuristic guns will be less lethal than modern guns. Body armor will still be useless. Helmets never worn. ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/46 "2015-01-08T20:16:07Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > And those futuristic guns will be less lethal than modern guns. Body armor will still be useless. Helmets never worn. And despite the fact that nearly every weapon appears to be laser-based, the Red Shirts/Stormtroopers/Space Marines/whoever never wear mirrored suits, or carry mirrored shields to deflect enemy shots. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/47 "2015-01-08T20:16:29Z")
> [@Ranchoth](#): > > Far future art and pop-culture seems to alternate between “not present” and “[unabashedly ludicrous](http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120709161623/bloodandhonor/images/7/74/Ruby_Rhod.jpg).” [Mild NSFW - some hairy chests and big cleavage - not the same person; plus Miley crotch] [spoiler][Too](http://nyoobserver.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/2041264.jpg) [late](http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/prince-2ICP_o_tn.jpg). [We’re](http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/cleanplatecharlie/Lady-Gagas-Meat-Dress.jpg) [already](http://www.celebritypic.tk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Lady-Gaga-2.jpg) [there](http://cbsradionews.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/lady-gaga1.jpg). [We’ve](http://wallpapertodays.com/katy-perry-song-roar-wallpaper.html) [been](http://pamelageller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Screen-Shot-2014-02-26-at-9.29.02-PM.png) [there](http://image-cdn.zap2it.com/images/katy-perry-grill-vmas.jpg) [for](http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/kiss.jpg) [a](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/08/article-2599883-1CF15A5A00000578-607_306x285.jpg) [while](http://www.prosieben.de/var/prosieben/storage/images/stars/news/michael-jackson-vor-seinem-tod-grosszuegig-zu-obdachlosen-132131/node_293270/6074560-1-ger-DE/9-Michael-Jackson-2002-dpa_132134_teaser_620x348.jpg). [And](http://style.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kesha-face-tattoos.jpg) [it’s](http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/34700000/KE-HA-kesha-34700200-612-612.jpg) [downhill](http://newseastwest.com/desktop/newssite_images/jennifer-lopez_1/jennifer-lopez-and-pitbull.jpg) [from](http://www.sawfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Miley-Cyrus-Bangerz-Tour-Melbourne-4.jpg) [here](http://www.billboard.com/files/media/miley-cyrus-bangerz-tour-2014-billboard-650.jpg). [/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/48 "2015-01-08T20:18:11Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > And despite the fact that nearly every weapon appears to be laser-based, the Red Shirts/Stormtroopers/Space Marines/whoever never wear mirrored suits, or carry mirrored shields to deflect enemy shots. I’d almost forgotten. Don’t EVER wear a red shirt in the future or you’re dead meat. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/49 "2015-01-08T20:28:23Z")
Everyone will speak English, including alien races we’ve only just met. ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/50 "2015-01-08T21:17:03Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > Everyone will speak English, including alien races we’ve only just met. Babel fish, or a TARDIS-like translation field, will make the very concept of languages obsolete. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/51 "2015-01-08T21:21:55Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I’d almost forgotten. Don’t EVER wear a red shirt in the future or you’re dead meat. Band name: “Kirk and the Redshirts” ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/52 "2015-01-08T22:32:02Z")
> [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > Benevolent aliens from technologically superior civilizations speak with British accents. As do the malevolent ones, thus it doesn’t even help avoid confusion. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2015, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/53 "2015-01-08T22:42:57Z")
All creatures breathe the same air. Space stations will have bars and unhappy but wise bartenders. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/54 "2015-01-09T00:34:18Z")
Spaceships will have systems on board that allow them to maneuver in space as if it were air (banking, etc.) They will have special technology that lets pilots and captains utterly ignore physics of being in orbit, e.g. allowing the craft to burn straight towards the primary in order to leave orbit. Also, even when in orbit, “safety” systems will cause the craft to somehow immediately plunge towards the surface whenever the power goes out or the craft receives light damage. All craft will also permanently maintain time units and orientation based on Earth (hours, minutes, UTC.) ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/55 "2015-01-09T00:50:20Z")
Overwhelmingly, intelligent life will be humanoid with just mild differences in forehead, ears, skin or eye coloration, etc. Militaries will forget how to train marksmanship. All spaceships will be planted with a device that defines down so spaceships can always be at the same angle when they meet in deep space. Computer systems designed by different races at different levels of technology will overwhelmingly be compatible. ---
**Author:** ![DiggitCamara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@DiggitCamara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiggitCamara)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/56 "2015-01-09T01:15:00Z")
No space war will involve guided meteorites or comets or whatever, even if the intent is to utterly destroy the enemy’s colony on a planet. They will always, ALWAYS try an invasion. ---
**Author:** ![AtomicDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@AtomicDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AtomicDog)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/57 "2015-01-09T02:05:34Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Planets are still where the action is; nobody builds orbiting habitats or deep-space civilizations. > > . I’ve always been fond of Larry Niven’s Belters. > **[List of Known Space characters](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belter_(Niven))** > > This is a list of fictional characters featured in the Known Space novels by Larry Niven. > Sigmund Ausfaller, a native of Earth, is a member of the Amalgamated Regional Militia ("ARM"), working in the Bureau of Alien Affairs on Earth. To protect puppeteer (and Earth) interests, in "Neutron Star" Ausfaller plants a bomb in the lifesystem of Shaeffer's ship, the Skydiver, so that Shaeffer will not attempt to steal it. Years later, in The Borderlands of Sol, when Shaeffer encounters him on Jinx, h... ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/58 "2015-01-09T02:09:15Z")
> [@AtomicDog](#): > > I’ve always been fond of Larry Niven’s Belters. Many years ago, I was in a play-by-mail space exploration game. All of the players _except me_ were building traditional planet-bound civilizations. They’d colonize a planet, build industry, found shipyards, build spaceships, and go and settle more planets. I was the only one who had a purely space-based society, with no planets. I was building monster ships, ships big enough to have shipyards inside 'em! Lovely fun game, and I was driving certain of the other players crazy, trying to find my “home planet!” ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/59 "2015-01-09T02:47:36Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > And despite the fact that nearly every weapon appears to be laser-based, the Red Shirts/Stormtroopers/Space Marines/whoever never wear mirrored suits, or carry mirrored shields to deflect enemy shots. Nonsense. [Warriors will always have reflective clothes.](http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e4/51/c8/e451c87c71dd3eff2124d312d8345b2a.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825/60 "2015-01-09T15:34:22Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Planets are still where the action is; nobody builds orbiting habitats or deep-space civilizations. To be fair, unless you can build truly ginormous gigastructures out of nanotubes or whatever, a planet can have much larger ecosystems- desirable for multiple reasons- than a mere spacecolony [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-we-know-about-the-future-based-on-fiction/708825.md?page=4)