Larry Niven
Larry Niven
Full Name and Common Aliases
Larry Niven is a renowned American science fiction author known professionally as Larry Niven.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 24, 1938. As of this writing, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Science Fiction Author
Early Life and Background
Larry Niven was born in Los Angeles, California, to a middle-class family. His early life was marked by a love for science fiction and fantasy. He grew up reading the works of H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Isaac Asimov, which instilled in him a deep interest in science and technology. Niven attended Occidental College but dropped out to pursue a career in writing.
Major Accomplishments
Niven's breakthrough came with his 1962 novel The Long ARM of Gil Hamilton, which introduced the concept of gravity as an energy source. This innovative idea not only captivated readers but also earned him critical acclaim and recognition within the science fiction community. His subsequent novels, such as Ringworld (1970) and Protector (1973), solidified his reputation as a master of science fiction.
Notable Works or Actions
Niven's works often blend science, technology, and social commentary. Some notable examples include:
Ringworld, a novel that explores the concept of a habitable ring-shaped planet, which won both the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1970.
Protector, a novel that examines the consequences of advanced technology on society.
Niven's collaboration with other science fiction authors has resulted in several notable works. For example, his partnership with Jerry Pournelle led to the creation of the Moties series.Impact and Legacy
Larry Niven's contributions to science fiction have been profound. His innovative ideas about gravity, energy sources, and advanced technologies have inspired countless readers and writers. He has been honored with numerous awards for his work, including multiple Hugo Awards and Nebula Awards. Niven's influence can be seen in various fields beyond literature; his concepts have even been referenced in popular culture.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Larry Niven is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Innovative ideas: Niven's exploration of complex scientific concepts, such as gravity and energy sources, has left a lasting impact on science fiction.
* Critique of human society: Through his works, Niven critiques various aspects of human society, often using science fiction as a lens to examine our relationships with technology and the environment.
Niven's commitment to exploring the boundaries between science and literature has cemented his place in the world of science fiction.
Quotes by Larry Niven
Once every hundred years, the Los Angeles smog rolls away for a single night, leaving the air as clean as interstellar space. That way the gods can see if Los Angeles is still there. If it is, they roll the smog back so they won’t have to look at it.
Boredom is my worst enemy. It’s killed a lot of my friends, but it won’t get me. When I get bored, I go risk my life somewhere.
The best advice I was ever given was on my twenty-first birthday when my father said, Son, here’s a million dollars. Don’t lose it.
They do not use lasers, they do not use radio, they do not use hyperwave. What are they using for communication? Telepathy? Written messages? Big mirrors?” “Parrots,” Louis suggested. He got up to join them at the door to the control room. “Huge parrots, specially bred for their oversized lungs. They’re too big to fly. They just sit on hilltops and scream at each other.
We play your part in order to understand you, but you each seem to play a thousand parts. It makes things difficult for an honest, hard-working bug-eyed monster.
Gradually he was learning the size, the scale of the Ringworld. It was unpleasant, like all learning processes. He.
To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection.