After completing my (yet unpublished) short story collection, Chance that Mimics Choice, I contacted Tufts biologist Michael Levin, who enthusiastically agreed to write a foreword. The collection explores the idea that all of nature is capable of mind-like poetic interpretations, which is similar to the kinds of research questions Mike pursues. He told me that he believes strongly in the power of fiction to sketch out suggestions for scientific investigations. Later, we decided to write sci-fi together. We’ve written four so far. Mike suggests the plot and I provide the details.
I am very excited to announce that our first story has been published. “Animism,” appears in Interconnections: a Journal of Posthumanism.
The first several stories in my collection, Chance that Mimics Choice, feature an eccentric scientist named Meno. (Two of these stories were featured on The Strange Recital podcast.) I brought back the Meno character again in “Animism.” The story is set in a future when all of our devices will be talking to us and there will be no place to be alone with our thoughts.
Michael Levin is a developmental and synthetic biologist at Tufts University and director of the Allen Discovery Center. His research explores how cells communicate to build complex biological forms, focusing on bioelectric signaling as a key regulator of growth, regeneration, and pattern formation. Levin’s lab studies how organisms such as planaria, frogs, and salamanders regenerate limbs and organs, and how collective cellular intelligence guides morphology. Levin’s work bridges biology, cognition, and philosophy of mind.
Tues, July 15, 5pm NY. V. N. Alexander will be live talking with Peter on The Duke Report about how language, art, and comedy work at the subconscious level to reach people that have been thoroughly brainwashed. In particular, Victoria will talk about her 9/11 dark comedy novel Locus Amoenus.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie