The dynamics of
the "marching moron" theory
of populations
could be applied to
almost any century.
Civilization
somehow moves forward.
Yet every generation
fears the same old crap.
It is so standard
even so-so sci-fi books
call the stuff cliches!
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"Saturn's Race is the latest in a series of successful collaborations between Niven and Barnes. They have concocted a compelling mixture of adventure, romance and intrigue, and done a better job of developing their characters than in most SF adventure novels. They raise a number of interesting ethical questions regarding the problem of population growth. They paint both Saturn, who imposes his Machiavellian solution, and the third-world governments who seek to perpetuate their population problems, as equally evil. The heroes, fighting to stay alive, have little time to debate the issue. The novel therefore falls short of providing any new insights on these pivotal social issues. "In addition, although the characters and story remain interesting throughout, most experienced SF readers will find familiar ingredients. The near-future world where the high-tech corporate elite are more powerful than governments has become a cliché, as have conspiracies to stop the "marching moron" phenomenon. So are secret masters of cyberspace, primitive tribes that are morally and ethically superior to modern societies, cybernetically enhanced animals, life extension therapy, and even people able to fall in eternal love before even getting to know each other. (The section where Chaz and Lenore meet uses every formula of romance fiction.)" |