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A Few Rules for Predicting the Future: An Essay
The wise words of science fiction icon Octavia E. Butler live on in this beautiful and giftable little volume.
“There’s no single answer that will solve all our future problems. There’s no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers—at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be.�
Originally published in Essence magazine in the year 2000, Octavia E. Butler’s essay “A Few Rules for Predicting the Future� offers an honest look into the inspiration behind her science fiction novels and the importance of studying history and taking responsibility for our actions if we are to move forward.
Organized into four main rules, this short essay reminds readers to learn from the past, respect the law of consequences, be aware of their perspectives, and count on the surprises. Citing the warning signs of fascism, the illusive effects of fear and wishful thinking, and the unpredictable nature of what is yet to come, Butler shares realistic but hopeful suggestions to shape our future into something good. An inspiring and motivational gift for students and recent graduates, fans of Butler's work, and anyone seeking a brighter day tomorrow, this exquisite gift book includes stunning Afrofuturist artwork by Manzel Bowman alongside the full text of the original essay.
LITERARY Octavia E. Butler was a pioneering science fiction writer whose novels, written decades ago, remain eerily relevant, reflecting on themes of racial injustice, women’s rights, environmental collapse, and political corruption. In 1995, she became the first science fiction author to win a MacArthur Genius grant, and her books are taught in over 200 colleges and universities nationwide. This book shares Butler's timely but lesser-known essay and is a must-read for fans of her classic sci-fi works.
CELEBRATE BLACK This book spotlights one of the greatest authors of Afrofuturism, a genre and philosophy that explores and reimagines Black culture, creativity, and liberation through fiction, art, music, film, and other media. Octavia E. Butler’s forward-thinking essay is paired with contemporary illustrations by Manzel Bowman, whose evocative images are also inspired by Afrofuturist visions.
INSPIRING A unique gift for students, recent graduates, and anyone celebrating life milestones or looking forward in life, this beautifully designed hardcover book is sure to inspire. Octavia E. Butler’s essay is also an important, evergreen reminder for writers, creatives, dreamers, and activists who want to envision and work toward a brighter future.
Perfect
“There’s no single answer that will solve all our future problems. There’s no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers—at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be.�
Originally published in Essence magazine in the year 2000, Octavia E. Butler’s essay “A Few Rules for Predicting the Future� offers an honest look into the inspiration behind her science fiction novels and the importance of studying history and taking responsibility for our actions if we are to move forward.
Organized into four main rules, this short essay reminds readers to learn from the past, respect the law of consequences, be aware of their perspectives, and count on the surprises. Citing the warning signs of fascism, the illusive effects of fear and wishful thinking, and the unpredictable nature of what is yet to come, Butler shares realistic but hopeful suggestions to shape our future into something good. An inspiring and motivational gift for students and recent graduates, fans of Butler's work, and anyone seeking a brighter day tomorrow, this exquisite gift book includes stunning Afrofuturist artwork by Manzel Bowman alongside the full text of the original essay.
LITERARY Octavia E. Butler was a pioneering science fiction writer whose novels, written decades ago, remain eerily relevant, reflecting on themes of racial injustice, women’s rights, environmental collapse, and political corruption. In 1995, she became the first science fiction author to win a MacArthur Genius grant, and her books are taught in over 200 colleges and universities nationwide. This book shares Butler's timely but lesser-known essay and is a must-read for fans of her classic sci-fi works.
CELEBRATE BLACK This book spotlights one of the greatest authors of Afrofuturism, a genre and philosophy that explores and reimagines Black culture, creativity, and liberation through fiction, art, music, film, and other media. Octavia E. Butler’s forward-thinking essay is paired with contemporary illustrations by Manzel Bowman, whose evocative images are also inspired by Afrofuturist visions.
INSPIRING A unique gift for students, recent graduates, and anyone celebrating life milestones or looking forward in life, this beautifully designed hardcover book is sure to inspire. Octavia E. Butler’s essay is also an important, evergreen reminder for writers, creatives, dreamers, and activists who want to envision and work toward a brighter future.
Perfect
56 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2000
12 people are currently reading
15k people want to read
About the author
Octavia E. Butler
98books20.7kfollowersOctavia Estelle Butler was an American science fiction writer, one of the best-known among the few African-American women in the field. She won both Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1995, she became the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant.
After her father died, Butler was raised by her widowed mother. Extremely shy as a child, Octavia found an outlet at the library reading fantasy, and in writing. She began writing science fiction as a teenager. She attended community college during the Black Power movement, and while participating in a local writer's workshop was encouraged to attend the Clarion Workshop, which focused on science fiction.
She soon sold her first stories and by the late 1970s had become sufficiently successful as an author that she was able to pursue writing full-time. Her books and short stories drew the favorable attention of the public and awards judges. She also taught writer's workshops, and eventually relocated to Washington state. Butler died of a stroke at the age of 58. Her papers are held in the research collection of the Huntington Library.
After her father died, Butler was raised by her widowed mother. Extremely shy as a child, Octavia found an outlet at the library reading fantasy, and in writing. She began writing science fiction as a teenager. She attended community college during the Black Power movement, and while participating in a local writer's workshop was encouraged to attend the Clarion Workshop, which focused on science fiction.
She soon sold her first stories and by the late 1970s had become sufficiently successful as an author that she was able to pursue writing full-time. Her books and short stories drew the favorable attention of the public and awards judges. She also taught writer's workshops, and eventually relocated to Washington state. Butler died of a stroke at the age of 58. Her papers are held in the research collection of the Huntington Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
February 22, 2025
Predicting the future is a difficult task. For instance, how could Abraham Lincoln have predicted that over two centuries after his death he would be quoted as having said �the best way to predict your future is to create it.� Especially since he . The future often comes in surprising ways and authors who look to the coming horizons saddle themselves with the task of predicting what is to come and must wrestle with all the various implications of their vision. A Few Rules For Predicting the Future, a brief essay by the incredible Octavia E. Butler, addresses her thoughts on the future and methods to consider the possible futures we might create. Originally published in Essense magazine in 2000, it is now available as a cute little collectible hardcover from Chronicle Books. I’m usually not really big on these little editions spreading a 4 page essay into a 60 page book for the purpose of marketing for gift giving purposes, but I also really love Butler and she has some cool things to say. Plus the artwork here from Manzel Bowman is lovely:
Butler begins with an anecdote from a speaking tour where she was asked how she imagines her futures which, considering books like , are often fairly dark and fraught with societal collapse. �All I did,� she explains, �was look around at the problems we’re neglecting now and give them about 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters.� Perhaps a bleak outlook, but one that draws on plausible futures based on the present. For this sort of thought experiment, Butler breaks her method down into three key ideas:
1. Learn from the past
2. Respect the law of consequences
3. Be Aware of your perspective
There is no certainty and, like with Abe Lincoln, situations we could never expect such as the rise of technology and information sharing making false quotes widely accessible on a resource few often check for validity. Even looking at the past, considering consequences and trying to ascertain what our perspective is hoping to accomplish can widely miss the mark. �Wishful thinking is no more help in predicting the future than fear, superstition or depression,� she warns.
But is that not what predicting the future is all about? A warning? Or perhaps a guide through it all? Or is it an act of hope that no matter what the future brings, we will find a way to survive? For Butler, �the very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is in itself an act of hope.� And this is important to her:
Predicting the future is not easy, but as an act of creativity it can be quite meaningful. Though for some these futures may feel threatening and dark, such as the student who asked Butler for the answer to the coming future. �There isn’t one,� Butler replied. But this isn’t meant as doomsaying. She continues:
Like the task of an author, it is up to us to create the future. A frightening opportunity, but one full of possibility and hope if we so choose it. So choose wisely, friends.
3.5/5
Butler begins with an anecdote from a speaking tour where she was asked how she imagines her futures which, considering books like , are often fairly dark and fraught with societal collapse. �All I did,� she explains, �was look around at the problems we’re neglecting now and give them about 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters.� Perhaps a bleak outlook, but one that draws on plausible futures based on the present. For this sort of thought experiment, Butler breaks her method down into three key ideas:
1. Learn from the past
2. Respect the law of consequences
3. Be Aware of your perspective
There is no certainty and, like with Abe Lincoln, situations we could never expect such as the rise of technology and information sharing making false quotes widely accessible on a resource few often check for validity. Even looking at the past, considering consequences and trying to ascertain what our perspective is hoping to accomplish can widely miss the mark. �Wishful thinking is no more help in predicting the future than fear, superstition or depression,� she warns.
But is that not what predicting the future is all about? A warning? Or perhaps a guide through it all? Or is it an act of hope that no matter what the future brings, we will find a way to survive? For Butler, �the very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is in itself an act of hope.� And this is important to her:
�making predictions is one way to give warning when we see ourselves drifting in dangerous directions. Because prediction is a useful way of pointing out safer, wiser courses. Because, most of all, our tomorrow is the child of our today.Through thought and deed, we exert a great deal of influence over this child, even though we can't control it absolutely. Best to think about it, though. Best to try to shape it into something good. Best to do that for any child.�
Predicting the future is not easy, but as an act of creativity it can be quite meaningful. Though for some these futures may feel threatening and dark, such as the student who asked Butler for the answer to the coming future. �There isn’t one,� Butler replied. But this isn’t meant as doomsaying. She continues:
�there's no single answer that will solve all of our future problems.There's no magic bullet. Instead there are thousands of answers at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be.�
Like the task of an author, it is up to us to create the future. A frightening opportunity, but one full of possibility and hope if we so choose it. So choose wisely, friends.
3.5/5
June 11, 2024
A very prescient essay, indeed
January 7, 2024
Take this book version of Octavia Butler's essay A Few Rules for Predicting the Future for what it is: a colorful, nicely laid-out reprinting of Butler's essay that she wrote for a magazine in 2000. It's a nice gift for someone who loves Butler and derives joy from beautiful physical objects that embody their favorite authors. It wouldn't be out of place on the table of a university common space.
The essay is short, which limits the scope of ideas one might glean from it. There isn't much here that I haven't heard repeated multiple times on public radio since 2016. Reading Butler's novels is a better way to learn her way of thinking about the future.
You can read the full essay for free
The main reason to seek out the physical book is the 5 art panels that it includes. Their colorful style varies from panel to panel, running the gamut from indulgent florals (reminiscent of the cover of Isabel Allende's ) to an explosive futuristic collage. They're all by Manzel Bowman, which surprised me because they are distinct stylistically, but all fit the controlled sensory overload aesthetic that will likely become characteristic of 2024.
The printed book would have more substantial value if more of Bowman's pieces replaced the many pages that currently include no content aside from a wash of neon-pastel color.
Thank you Chronicle Books, Manzel Bowman and the ghost of Octavia Butler for a free Netgalley advance reader copy of A Few Rules for Predicting the Future.
The essay is short, which limits the scope of ideas one might glean from it. There isn't much here that I haven't heard repeated multiple times on public radio since 2016. Reading Butler's novels is a better way to learn her way of thinking about the future.
You can read the full essay for free
The main reason to seek out the physical book is the 5 art panels that it includes. Their colorful style varies from panel to panel, running the gamut from indulgent florals (reminiscent of the cover of Isabel Allende's ) to an explosive futuristic collage. They're all by Manzel Bowman, which surprised me because they are distinct stylistically, but all fit the controlled sensory overload aesthetic that will likely become characteristic of 2024.
The printed book would have more substantial value if more of Bowman's pieces replaced the many pages that currently include no content aside from a wash of neon-pastel color.
Thank you Chronicle Books, Manzel Bowman and the ghost of Octavia Butler for a free Netgalley advance reader copy of A Few Rules for Predicting the Future.
April 17, 2024
I didn't realize quite how short this essay would be! It's interesting, especially as someone who is a fan of Butler's work, but it was originally written for Essence Magazine and is really just a few pages of text. That said, I do think this offers some insight into Butler's thinking about the future and how she went about writing books like Parable of the Sower. Essentially that the future will always be a surprise and our predictions are often more a reflection of our current state of mind or state of being. Worth a read if you're a fan of her work!
November 27, 2023
Octavia Butler's short essay is presented here in a book that's more akin to coffee table art, than a way to present her old words for a new generation.
When I first tried reading Parable of the Sower last year, I had to put it down and ultimately DNF it. The violence and apathy and overall world Butler imagined in that book felt much too close to reality and ultimately I couldn't handle it. After reading this short essay, it's easy to understand how she wrote such a creepily prescient work in the 90s - essentially, she studied history to be able to extrapolate where our future could go, and guess what? She wasn't too far off base. Scarily so.
The artwork in this short book is beautiful, but it feels like it dilutes the message of the essay. The way the paragraphs are broken up by pages of art feels like it takes away from the overall message because it keeps breaking it up and not in a way that feels organic.
Ultimately, this IS a good essay, and I'm glad that there will be a new volume like this to bring it back into light for new readers to discover. It'll certainly make for a beautiful display book for Butler fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read and review this. The book will be available April 16, 2024.
When I first tried reading Parable of the Sower last year, I had to put it down and ultimately DNF it. The violence and apathy and overall world Butler imagined in that book felt much too close to reality and ultimately I couldn't handle it. After reading this short essay, it's easy to understand how she wrote such a creepily prescient work in the 90s - essentially, she studied history to be able to extrapolate where our future could go, and guess what? She wasn't too far off base. Scarily so.
The artwork in this short book is beautiful, but it feels like it dilutes the message of the essay. The way the paragraphs are broken up by pages of art feels like it takes away from the overall message because it keeps breaking it up and not in a way that feels organic.
Ultimately, this IS a good essay, and I'm glad that there will be a new volume like this to bring it back into light for new readers to discover. It'll certainly make for a beautiful display book for Butler fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read and review this. The book will be available April 16, 2024.
March 6, 2025
Because, most of all, our tomorrow is the child of our today.
Look, this is a grashcab. The book, I mean, not the essay! But it's extremelly pretty as a book that you can read in 10 minutes and the art is lovely and I just got it for my birthday and I really wanted to read something short because my brain can no longer (for now). And it's Octavia, and she's the GOAT (in my opinion!). It was actually excellent timing, because the world gives me massive anxiety at the moment and just turning 40, I've felt like I have a hard time even imagining a future, if that makes sense...
Wishful thinking is no more help in predicting the future than fear, superstition or depression.
Well, that's good to know! Since my predictions for the future are pretty grim at the moment! But this little book was a balm for my rabbit heart, a reminder that maybe I / we are not as powerless as I feel and yeah, there's still time to set some things right. And spring is coming :)
(I do think I'm a bit Octavia'd out for the year, what with reading the whole Patternist series the past few weeks, so I will read the other Butler gift I received - cause friends are amazing -, , a bit later.)
Look, this is a grashcab. The book, I mean, not the essay! But it's extremelly pretty as a book that you can read in 10 minutes and the art is lovely and I just got it for my birthday and I really wanted to read something short because my brain can no longer (for now). And it's Octavia, and she's the GOAT (in my opinion!). It was actually excellent timing, because the world gives me massive anxiety at the moment and just turning 40, I've felt like I have a hard time even imagining a future, if that makes sense...
Wishful thinking is no more help in predicting the future than fear, superstition or depression.
Well, that's good to know! Since my predictions for the future are pretty grim at the moment! But this little book was a balm for my rabbit heart, a reminder that maybe I / we are not as powerless as I feel and yeah, there's still time to set some things right. And spring is coming :)
(I do think I'm a bit Octavia'd out for the year, what with reading the whole Patternist series the past few weeks, so I will read the other Butler gift I received - cause friends are amazing -, , a bit later.)
April 29, 2025
� ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ �
"Instead there are thousands of answers–at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be."
"Because, most of all, our tomorrow is the child of our today."
decided to read this for the reading challenge, and this was actually a really good essay! i love that in the essay there is emphasis on hope, and that we should not cloud our judgement when it comes to thinking about the future. recommend!
"Instead there are thousands of answers–at least. You can be one of them if you choose to be."
"Because, most of all, our tomorrow is the child of our today."
decided to read this for the reading challenge, and this was actually a really good essay! i love that in the essay there is emphasis on hope, and that we should not cloud our judgement when it comes to thinking about the future. recommend!
March 29, 2025
meta as hell
January 17, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
This is a lovely coffee table book for fans of Octavia E Butler. It's an essay spread over 50ish pages with paragraphs on each page and art between sections. I'm sure it will be very pretty in person, however I do wish it had more art throughout, just to lean more into it being an art book since it's just one essay spread out. The essay stands alone and is great and worth the read, I just finished a reread of the Parable duology which is mentioned throughout the essay so it was lovely to read this after. But I just wish there was more art to go with it to really make it stand out as a coffee table book, especially because the art is beautiful and very reflective of Octavia Butler's work. All that being said, I will eventually buy it to go with my Octavia Butler collection, but if you're not a huge fan I'd say grab a copy from the library to read her timely and always relevant essay.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy for review.
This is a lovely coffee table book for fans of Octavia E Butler. It's an essay spread over 50ish pages with paragraphs on each page and art between sections. I'm sure it will be very pretty in person, however I do wish it had more art throughout, just to lean more into it being an art book since it's just one essay spread out. The essay stands alone and is great and worth the read, I just finished a reread of the Parable duology which is mentioned throughout the essay so it was lovely to read this after. But I just wish there was more art to go with it to really make it stand out as a coffee table book, especially because the art is beautiful and very reflective of Octavia Butler's work. All that being said, I will eventually buy it to go with my Octavia Butler collection, but if you're not a huge fan I'd say grab a copy from the library to read her timely and always relevant essay.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy for review.
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March 31, 2025This edition is a reprint of the original essay and includes beautiful Afro-futuristic artwork by Manzel Bowman.
The essay is quick and direct in its aim to center hope as a catalyst for the need to predict potential outcomes of the future. While I enjoyed the essay, I’m not sure if it would’ve had a greater impact on me had I read Octavia E. Butler’s fiction first.
This did make me excited to pick up Parable of the Sower at some point! The most illuminating rule for me was “Count on the Surprises�.
The essay is quick and direct in its aim to center hope as a catalyst for the need to predict potential outcomes of the future. While I enjoyed the essay, I’m not sure if it would’ve had a greater impact on me had I read Octavia E. Butler’s fiction first.
This did make me excited to pick up Parable of the Sower at some point! The most illuminating rule for me was “Count on the Surprises�.
January 4, 2025
i don’t have too much to say to be honest! it’s pretty short and you can read it online for free, so it was just a great way to start the new year. i love that it emphasizes on hope and points out the different ways we may cloud our judgement when it comes to predicting the future. octavia e butler is forever the 🐐
December 19, 2023
Our tomorrow is the child of our today.
Did this need to be a book? No. Is it good to have more of Octavia Butler’s words in the world? Yes, always. Beautiful art and powerful words in this (very short) essay, that’s good enough for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 2, 2025This essay was originally published in Essence Magazine in May 2000 and is still very relevant. You can find this very short essay for free online here:
February 24, 2025
A short, timely read from one of our most prescient authors. She accurately predicted exactly where we are now.
Read
November 4, 2024I don’t know if this needed to be a stand alone book. I expected the essay to be longer and more weighty than it was and, while the illustrations are gorgeous, the brevity left me feeling like this could have simply been a zine or even an Instagram (or whatever social media) post. (It feels like a cheat to add this as a book since I read it in less than 10 minutes, but wanted to note to myself that I’ve read this (and own it!) and don’t need to keep looking for it.)
That said, I did appreciate the content of Butler’s essay, despite its extreme shortness. I just wish the publishers had either included another piece by her to make the $15 price seem more justifiable.
That said, I did appreciate the content of Butler’s essay, despite its extreme shortness. I just wish the publishers had either included another piece by her to make the $15 price seem more justifiable.
September 8, 2024
I read this in the aisle of Powells and ended up buying it because I need to annotate it. I then reread it a few hours later because this is really sticking with me. It’s not a complicated essay. It’s full of rather easy ideas, all things considered…but it’s really well done. It makes me think.
January 2, 2025
'In fact, the very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is itself an act of hope.'
#DeZinVanHetBoek #TheEssenceOfTheBook
In 2000, Octavia E. Butler published this essay in Essence magazine. Last year, Chronicle Books reprinted this as a book, and provided it with artwork by Afrofuturist artist Manzel Bowman.
The four rules are: Learn from the past, Respect the law of consequenes, Be aware of your perspective, Count on the surprises. Personally, I don’t think this is a big spoiler, without the accompanying explanations.
A fascinating topic, the future. Reading the essay also got me thinking more about futuring � not so much the technique of designing scenarios for innovations, but the verb itself. Especially intriguing is the literal Dutch translation of the verb, which opens up room for considering a variety of futures, instead of just one future.
Apart from thinking about the future and futuring, another quote from Butler got me to contemplate on my choice to always select a quote from a book, and then to share that along with the hashtags #DeZinVanHetBoek #TheEssenceOfTheBook. The quote is: 'It's sadly easy to reverse meaning, in fact, to tell a lie, by offering an accurate but incomplete quote.' It is, I double checked. Several times, actually. Though I hesitated for a moment to pursue highlighting single phrases, I decided it is still OK to continue. I remain mindful, though, of doing so with respect to the original work and its author.
On you can find a more elaborate take on both the issue of citing as well as (links to sources about) futuring initiatives. All in Dutch, mind you :-}
The entire essay can also be found online, and I highly recommend you check it out at
#DeZinVanHetBoek #TheEssenceOfTheBook
In 2000, Octavia E. Butler published this essay in Essence magazine. Last year, Chronicle Books reprinted this as a book, and provided it with artwork by Afrofuturist artist Manzel Bowman.
The four rules are: Learn from the past, Respect the law of consequenes, Be aware of your perspective, Count on the surprises. Personally, I don’t think this is a big spoiler, without the accompanying explanations.
A fascinating topic, the future. Reading the essay also got me thinking more about futuring � not so much the technique of designing scenarios for innovations, but the verb itself. Especially intriguing is the literal Dutch translation of the verb, which opens up room for considering a variety of futures, instead of just one future.
Apart from thinking about the future and futuring, another quote from Butler got me to contemplate on my choice to always select a quote from a book, and then to share that along with the hashtags #DeZinVanHetBoek #TheEssenceOfTheBook. The quote is: 'It's sadly easy to reverse meaning, in fact, to tell a lie, by offering an accurate but incomplete quote.' It is, I double checked. Several times, actually. Though I hesitated for a moment to pursue highlighting single phrases, I decided it is still OK to continue. I remain mindful, though, of doing so with respect to the original work and its author.
On you can find a more elaborate take on both the issue of citing as well as (links to sources about) futuring initiatives. All in Dutch, mind you :-}
The entire essay can also be found online, and I highly recommend you check it out at
November 10, 2023
One of my favorite things about Netgalley is that sometimes you unexpectedly stumble across gems by authors you admire. While scrolling through newly added books, I came across this essay from Ms. Butler being republished and accompanied by absolutely stunning artwork. If you are on Netgalley, it's so worth hitting the request button! If you aren't, that's okay, this little book of art and wisdom comes out this spring - April 16, 2024.
The essay itself is so on point for what our world faces today, despite being published over 20 years ago. Of course it is - we are talking about one of the most visionary writers in the modern era. It succinctly provides realistic advice for thinking about the future, demanding that we look to the past and reckon with the consequences of our society's decisions. There is hope too - the unpredictable forces colliding with our consequences. Maybe we, too, can become the change that's needed.
This is definitely meant to be experienced as a hardcopy. Reading the e-book was great, but I can't wait to see how the illustrations look on a page I can hold and touch.
Thank you, Chronicle Books and Netgalley, for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
The essay itself is so on point for what our world faces today, despite being published over 20 years ago. Of course it is - we are talking about one of the most visionary writers in the modern era. It succinctly provides realistic advice for thinking about the future, demanding that we look to the past and reckon with the consequences of our society's decisions. There is hope too - the unpredictable forces colliding with our consequences. Maybe we, too, can become the change that's needed.
This is definitely meant to be experienced as a hardcopy. Reading the e-book was great, but I can't wait to see how the illustrations look on a page I can hold and touch.
Thank you, Chronicle Books and Netgalley, for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2025
I think everyone should read this essay, especially rn. Also it makes me wanna read parable of the sower even moreeeee
April 26, 2025
Wise and well-thought answer to a question that is often too easily dismissed.
November 7, 2024
Perfect for today. May our collective grief drive us towards action and change.
March 2, 2025
4 � - A powerful essay, but feels a bit U.S.-centric at times.
This essay might be short, but it is packed with wisdom. 🧠� The author talks about how the future isn’t just something that happens to us - it’s something we create every day through the choices we make. It’s kinda like she’s handing us a flashlight and saying, “Look, here’s how not to trip over the same rocks everyone’s been tripping over for centuries.� 🔦
One of the biggest points she makes is that if we actually study history, we’ll see that the future is never totally random. People do the same stuff over and over - sometimes because they don’t know better, sometimes because they do know better but still mess up. 📖🔄 (The history book on the shelf really does repeat itself.)
What’s crazy is that even though this essay was written in 2000, everything she says is still SO relevant today - 25 years later. Everything she says feels like it was written for today (and probably tomorrow too).
But I also think, from an outside-the-US perspective, there’s a lot that’s left unsaid about how other regions view and experience these same problems. This essay doesn’t always acknowledge that we all live in different histories.
Overall, the essay is short and definitely impactful, but I do wish it had been a bit more inclusive of global perspectives. The ideas are brilliant, but I felt like it could’ve used a broader context to make it resonate even more with people outside the U.S.
This essay might be short, but it is packed with wisdom. 🧠� The author talks about how the future isn’t just something that happens to us - it’s something we create every day through the choices we make. It’s kinda like she’s handing us a flashlight and saying, “Look, here’s how not to trip over the same rocks everyone’s been tripping over for centuries.� 🔦
One of the biggest points she makes is that if we actually study history, we’ll see that the future is never totally random. People do the same stuff over and over - sometimes because they don’t know better, sometimes because they do know better but still mess up. 📖🔄 (The history book on the shelf really does repeat itself.)
What’s crazy is that even though this essay was written in 2000, everything she says is still SO relevant today - 25 years later. Everything she says feels like it was written for today (and probably tomorrow too).
But I also think, from an outside-the-US perspective, there’s a lot that’s left unsaid about how other regions view and experience these same problems. This essay doesn’t always acknowledge that we all live in different histories.
Overall, the essay is short and definitely impactful, but I do wish it had been a bit more inclusive of global perspectives. The ideas are brilliant, but I felt like it could’ve used a broader context to make it resonate even more with people outside the U.S.
June 13, 2024
This was a beautiful little book.
"...the very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is in itself an act of hope."
I read years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. I find myself thinking about it at random times, how bleak that future is, what led to it, what parallels there are to our world today. This essay by Octavia Butler gave the book new meaning for me, colored it more hopefully. There is action required to prevent that future from being ours, and if we look ahead with no hope, we won't take those actions.
I would recommend this essay to anyone who read and was impacted by the Earthseed books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books!
"...the very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is in itself an act of hope."
I read years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. I find myself thinking about it at random times, how bleak that future is, what led to it, what parallels there are to our world today. This essay by Octavia Butler gave the book new meaning for me, colored it more hopefully. There is action required to prevent that future from being ours, and if we look ahead with no hope, we won't take those actions.
I would recommend this essay to anyone who read and was impacted by the Earthseed books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books!
February 9, 2024
Octavia E. Butler is such an incredible writer, and this essay is another example. 23 years after it was originally written, this manages to remain so relevant for today' world. The artwork in this book is absolutely STUNNING, and this would be a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys her writing. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this in return for my honest review.
December 30, 2024
I will be keeping this accessible at all times for when I am in need of hope. Such a gorgeous print of this essay with stunning Afrofuturist artwork.
Full essay
Full essay
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December 11, 2023A light, vivid word from one of sci-fis greats.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC
A perfect addition with colorful art, ideal for any coffee table.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC
A perfect addition with colorful art, ideal for any coffee table.
Read
March 4, 2025LOVED this short essay and i think it connects a lot with today’s political climate in 2025.
the three rules:
1. learn from the past
2. respect the law of consequences
3. be aware of your perspective
“to try to foretell the future without studying history is like trying to learn to read without bothering to learn the alphabet�
the three rules:
1. learn from the past
2. respect the law of consequences
3. be aware of your perspective
“to try to foretell the future without studying history is like trying to learn to read without bothering to learn the alphabet�
April 26, 2025
Our tomorrow is the child of our today.
May 7, 2024
Very short. But good.
November 19, 2023
Octavia Butler's essay is as observant and wise as I've come to expect of her.
The illustrations look like a beginner's attempt to use photoshop and detract from the essay. Manzel Bowman's collages do not suit this or really any of Butler's works.
Received via NetGalley.
The illustrations look like a beginner's attempt to use photoshop and detract from the essay. Manzel Bowman's collages do not suit this or really any of Butler's works.
Received via NetGalley.
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