"The Later Human": Sci-Fi Writer Tang Fei's Talk at HSS

On May 6, 2025, renowned sci-fi writer Tang Fei was invited to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences to deliver an inspiring guest lecture titled "Forward, The Later Human!" for undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the courses "Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature" and "Contemporary Chinese Literature and Film."During the event, Tang Fei shared her unique insights into sci-fi literary creation, particularly focusing on the boundaries of literary writing and its social responsibilities, sparking lively discussions with the audience.

Tang Fei emphasized that the core of sci-fi creation lies in exploring human choices and possibilities amid technological and societal transformations. She noted that sci-fi literature is not merely an imagination of the future but also a profound reflection on reality.

"Literature cannot lie," she remarked. "Authors inevitably reveal their worldview and social perspectives through their writing."?She believes outstanding sci-fi works should break free from traditional frameworks and boldly challenge social realities rather than merely pursuing technical details or plot-driven excitement. Using her sci-fi collection The Later Human as an example, she explained the creative practice of this book requires both defying gravity (maintaining the altitude of imagination) and dodging skyscrapers (avoiding contradictions between near-future narratives and existing socio-technological logic).

When discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on literary creation, Tang Fei expressed her concerns. While acknowledging AI's ability to generate text, she argued that it lacks a deep understanding of human emotions and social complexities. She illustrated how AI-generated texts often suffer from a lack of logic and authenticity, whereas genuine literary creation requires authors to possess keen insights into societal realities and a distinctive mode of expression. "The true value of writing lies in raising questions and challenging the status quo, not simply catering to market demands," she reminded the students. She pointed out that AI's creative output relies on "the data it is fed," and the scarcity of high-quality Chinese-language training materials results in hollow content. "If literature is reduced to mere stylistic flair and formulaic storytelling, humanity will eventually be replaced by the very AI it has trained."

In the latter half of the lecture, students actively engaged with questions covering topics such as the definition of sci-fi, the portrayal of gender roles in the genre, and the relationship between AI and humanity. Responding to a query about the definition of sci-fi, Tang Fei advised against rigid distinctions like "hard" or "soft" sci-fi. Instead, she encouraged creators to embrace randomness: "The development of human civilization is full of contingencies, and the mission of sci-fi is to challenge all established logic." Addressing the issue of readers misinterpreting authorial intent, she asserted that "misinterpretation is inevitable," adding, "The value of literature lies in inspiring diverse interpretations, not in providing standardized answers." She urged students to draw from their personal experiences, engage with social issues, and express unique perspectives through writing. "Each age group has its own distinct way of observing the world¡ªthis is the wealth of creativity," she said.

The lecture concluded in a vibrant atmosphere. Tang Fei's sharing not only provided creative inspiration but also prompted deep reflections on the interplay between technology, society, and literature. After the event, she signed copies of her books for the audience. This lecture offered a feast of ideas for students at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and provided a valuable opportunity for sci-fi enthusiasts to exchange thoughts, inspiring more young people to venture into sci-fi writing and explore uncharted frontiers.

Contributed by Xi Liu, Department of China Studies