Polish Science Fiction Celebrates 250 Years: From Krasicki's Utopia to AI's Future

Polish science fiction is marking a significant milestone: 250 years since its inception, with its origins often attributed to Ignacy Krasicki's 1776 novel, "The Adventures of Mikołaj Doświadczyński." While this choice of date is partly symbolic, it highlights a rich literary tradition that has evolved considerably over centuries.

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Polish science fiction has 250 years. It all started with Krasicki.

Tomasz Kołodziejczak, a science fiction writer and creator of the Otwarte Komiksy channel, discussed this history on the podcast "Listen Plus Minus." He noted that early Polish science fiction, existing for over a century without a distinct name, was often embedded within broader literary works. The genre gained clearer definition in the late 19th century with the influence of authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, culminating in Jerzy Żuławski's acclaimed "Lunar Trilogy," which blended space exploration with sociological and eschatological themes.

Kołodziejczak suggests that Polish science fiction possesses a distinct character, often prioritizing social and philosophical inquiries over individual heroic narratives. This focus, he argues, stems from Poland's tumultuous history, including wars and political changes, which have fostered a cautious perspective on technological progress. The genre frequently uses fictional societies and inventions as a lens to examine contemporary issues and the human condition.

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The genre gained its name only at the turn of the 40s and 50s – the "Fantazja-Przygoda" series, a regular column in "Młody Technik," the first anthologies with Anglo-Saxon fantasy.

The conversation also touched upon the genre's future, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes capable of generating its own narratives, the landscape of science fiction writing is poised for transformation. The discussion explored how Polish science fiction, with its deep engagement with societal issues, might navigate this new era and continue to offer unique perspectives.

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More society than hero. Is there such a thing as a Polish style? Kołodziejczak does not want easy definitions, but points to a clear shift towards social, sociological, and historiosophical themes.