this post was submitted on 07 May 2026
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Some people use hard scifi to mean consistent with its established rules, other people use it to mean consistent with our current knowledge of physics. Star Trek isn't either.
Hard Sci fi would be more like The Expanse or maybe The Martian. Trek is just regular SciFi.
The fun one is Star Wars, which is more Fantasy than SciFi
The initial world of the Expanse is definitely something I'd call hard sci-fi, but then the story happens.
Trek is space opera.
Wars is a fairy tale (there’s a princess, evil emperor, magic, etc.)
Trek is utopia with whispers of benevolent authoritarianism. The Federation are the Borg at some level, looking to assimilate all they come across despite their morality that appeals to the viewers of the show.
Wars is dystopia with magic. Most people appear poor, all the power and money is concentrated in a few places. Gangs and warlords everywhere. Always someone trying to take more, whether it be Hutt or political fascists.
space wizards... with laser swords!
The former I just call "good storytelling/world building." If your rules aren't consistent then it's poorly written.
Star Trek is just 1960s US jingoism wrapped up in some kind of pseudo-scientific veneer.
what's it like being the most cynical person on earth
I'd imagine they have a few complaints about it
What's cynical about it? It's as obvious as being slapped by a cartoon fish.