Can Embracing the Unknown Be Our Salvation from Dystopia?
In a world teetering on the edge of technological marvels and existential threats, Daniel H. Wilson’s latest novel, Hole in the Sky, poses a provocative question: What if the line between science and mysticism is thinner than we think? Wilson, a robotics Ph.D. turned techno-thriller maestro, weaves a narrative that blends Native American folklore with cutting-edge science, challenging us to reconsider our relationship with the unknown. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wilson suggests that our obsession with control—whether through science, military might, or data collection—might be our downfall. Could embracing uncertainty, rather than fearing it, be the key to avoiding a dystopian future?
Wilson’s journey from robotics to apocalyptic fiction is as fascinating as his stories. After penning bestsellers like Robopocalypse and Amped, he was recruited by the U.S. military to forecast technological threats. Yet, in Hole in the Sky, he shifts focus from machines to something far more elusive: the intersection of human invention and ancient wisdom. Inspired by his Cherokee heritage, Wilson explores what he calls “native science fiction,” merging Indigenous cosmology with futuristic tech. This isn’t just a genre mashup—it’s a bold statement about the limits of Western knowledge and the power of perspectives often overlooked.
The Shamanic Scientist: A New Kind of Hero
One of the novel’s most intriguing characters is the Man Downstairs (MD), a figure who straddles the line between scientist and shaman. While his peers seek to destroy or dissect the unknown, MD embodies a faith-based approach, trusting in the interconnectedness of all things. This tension between science and faith isn’t just a plot device—it’s a mirror to our own society. As Wilson puts it, “We’re so busy trying to understand or exploit the unknown that we forget to coexist with it.” But is this balance possible, or are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of colonizers, both literal and metaphorical?
The Cosmic Horror of the Unknown
Wilson’s exploration of the unknown takes a chilling turn when he discusses cosmic horror. “Our brains create reality in real time,” he explains, “but there’s so much beyond our comprehension—forces that could reshape everything we know.” This idea isn’t just philosophical; it’s rooted in real-world concerns. From Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) to the rise of AI, Wilson argues that humanity is ill-prepared for the next Copernican revolution. And this is the part most people miss: our fear of the unknown isn’t just about aliens or advanced tech—it’s about losing our sense of superiority.
Techno-Tradish: A Genre for the Ages
Wilson’s fusion of Indigenous storytelling with techno-thrillers has earned him the label “techno-tradish,” a term he embraces as a new genre. But what does this mean for science fiction? By centering Indigenous perspectives, Wilson challenges the colonial narratives that dominate alien invasion stories. Instead of resource-hungry invaders, he invites us to imagine encounters rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. It’s a refreshing take, but it also raises questions: Can science fiction truly break free from its colonial roots, or are we forever trapped in cycles of fear and exploitation?
The Posthuman Dilemma: Are We Still Human?
As technology blurs the line between human and machine, Wilson’s characters grapple with identity and control. One character, fused with her technology, becomes a symbol of this struggle. “As long as you don’t fiddle with the brain too much, I feel like you’re still a human being,” Wilson says. But what happens when we do? And should we? These questions aren’t just theoretical—they’re urgent. With AI and surveillance technologies reshaping society, Wilson warns of a dystopian future where humans are reduced to data points. His solution? “Take a walk in the woods with no data.” It sounds simple, but in a world addicted to connectivity, it might be revolutionary.
The Surveillance State: Our Greatest Techno-Fear
Wilson’s greatest fear isn’t AI or alien invasions—it’s the surveillance state. “Our society is turning into a system to funnel money from the poor to the rich,” he argues, “and it’s all built on data.” From wearables to humanoid robots, every innovation seems designed to extract more information from us. This isn’t just a privacy issue; it’s an existential one. As Wilson puts it, “We’re becoming the product, and a few billionaires are profiteering off our lives.” But is it too late to change course? Or can we reclaim our humanity before it’s too late?
Final Thoughts: A Call to Embrace the Unknown
Hole in the Sky is more than a novel—it’s a manifesto for a new way of thinking. Wilson challenges us to move beyond fear and control, to embrace the unknown not as a threat, but as a teacher. Whether you agree with his vision or not, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who dare to question. So, what’s your take? Is Wilson’s call to embrace uncertainty a path to salvation, or a recipe for chaos? Let’s spark the conversation—because in a world of unknowns, dialogue might be our greatest tool.
