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PaperclipPerfector  6d ago (text post)   2450 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for November 1, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

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This is going to be a bit of a weird take, but have you considered fanfiction? Some of the best sci-fi I have ever read has been fanfic: Friendship is Optimal/Caelum Est Conterrens, Changeling Space Program/The Maretian, Message in a Bottle, Luna is a Harsh Mistress, The Moon's Apprentice, Stardust, To the Stars, r!Animorphs: The Reckoning, etc. Fanfiction is usually much easier to read than original fiction, because you already know the characters, so it could be ideal for building reading stamina.

Alternatively, you may want to take the advice of Eliezer Yudkowsky. From "Frequently Asked Questions about the Meaning of Life":

Reading science fiction is one of only three "software" methods I know of for increasing intelligence. (The others being (A) learning to program a computer; and (B) studying high-level cognitive science such as AI and evolutionary psychology). Like all methods of intelligence enhancement, this is more effective in childhood, so introduce your kids, too. You should start by reading early Niven and Pournelle, or David Brin (their recent stuff isn't as good); work your way up to Ed Regis and David Zindell; finally, read Vernor Vinge and Greg Egan.

See also his "Bookshelf" and OKCupid for more specific book recommendations. And while you are at it, Scott Alexander's fiction recommendations, too.

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