Comments on: Michael Crichton Dies at 66 http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/11/08/michael-chrichton-dies-at-66/ Making Sense of Science Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:54:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Glenjamin http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/11/08/michael-chrichton-dies-at-66/#comment-1081 Glenjamin Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:22:26 +0000 http://www.sciencentral.com/video/?p=283#comment-1081 As a kid, I loved Michael Chrichton's books. He was one of my favorite authors. As an adult I can still enjoy them, though perhaps without as much enthusiasm, for they are very simple, straightforward thrillers in many ways. Sure, he inserted his agenda within his books, oftentimes in not very subtle ways, especially in his later novels. But, I never felt that detracted much from the actual plot in any of his works, which were good fun regardless of whether or not you agreed with Mr. Chrichton's point of view. <br><br>But the science aspect of his books is what I think Chrichton should be applauded for above all. How many fiction authors out there are promoting interest in the sciences and science education, in any way? How many authors write stories that use cutting edge technology as the basis of the plot, not just a convenient deus ex machina? As a kid, I learned more about new discoveries in chaos theory, genetic engineering, under water exploration, the computer revolution, and time travel in Michael Chrichton's books than I ever did watching the news. And I'll always be grateful to him for that.<br><br>I think we should applaud As a kid, I loved Michael Chrichton's books. He was one of my favorite authors. As an adult I can still enjoy them, though perhaps without as much enthusiasm, for they are very simple, straightforward thrillers in many ways. Sure, he inserted his agenda within his books, oftentimes in not very subtle ways, especially in his later novels. But, I never felt that detracted much from the actual plot in any of his works, which were good fun regardless of whether or not you agreed with Mr. Chrichton's point of view.

But the science aspect of his books is what I think Chrichton should be applauded for above all. How many fiction authors out there are promoting interest in the sciences and science education, in any way? How many authors write stories that use cutting edge technology as the basis of the plot, not just a convenient deus ex machina? As a kid, I learned more about new discoveries in chaos theory, genetic engineering, under water exploration, the computer revolution, and time travel in Michael Chrichton's books than I ever did watching the news. And I'll always be grateful to him for that.

I think we should applaud

]]> By: wishie http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/11/08/michael-chrichton-dies-at-66/#comment-1068 wishie Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:45:37 +0000 http://www.sciencentral.com/video/?p=283#comment-1068 The "misguided agenda" link didn't take me anywhere having to do with this, but I assume you were referring to "State of Fear?" I've been referred to that book by more people who haven't read ANYTHING ELSE about global warming than that (otherwise nice folks-- exasperating!! That said, he certainly contributed greatly & entertainingly to the science/policy consciousness. Godspeed! The “misguided agenda” link didn’t take me anywhere having to do with this, but I assume you were referring to “State of Fear?” I’ve been referred to that book by more people who haven’t read ANYTHING ELSE about global warming than that (otherwise nice folks– exasperating!! That said, he certainly contributed greatly & entertainingly to the science/policy consciousness. Godspeed!

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