Jun 24 2024 57 mins
Is technology a tool for progress or the ultimate mechanism for control? T.R. Napper's cyberpunk narratives might just have the unsettling answers we need.
In Episode Six of the Synthetic Minds podcast, T.R. Napper, a celebrated science fiction author, delves into the cyberpunk ethos, painting a dystopian vision of the future where technology wields power and surveillance.
Napper’s works, like "36 Streets," not only entertain but also serve as cautionary tales, challenging business leaders to think critically about the ethical implications of rapid technological advances.
His rich background in diplomacy and international relations enriches his narratives, offering profound insights into the societal impacts of technology.
Napper’s discussion emphasizes the importance of futures thinking—using speculative fiction as a strategic tool to navigate and shape tomorrow’s corporate landscapes. As leaders, how can we balance technological innovation with ethical considerations to ensure a fair and humane future?
About T.R. Napper
T. R. Napper is a multi-award-winning science fiction author, including the Aurealis three times. His short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Interzone, the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and numerous others, and been translated into six different languages: http://nappertime.com/
He received a creative writing doctorate for his thesis: The Dark Century, 1946 - 2046. Noir, Cyberpunk, and Asian Modernity. Yes, he is officially a Doctor of Cyberpunk.
Before turning to writing, T. R. Napper was a diplomat and aid worker, delivering humanitarian programs in Southeast Asia for a decade. He also was a resident of the Old Quarter in Hanoi for several years, the setting for his debut novel, 36 Streets (winner of the 2022 Aurealis Award for 'Best Science Fiction Novel'): https://amzn.to/4cpJfqt