What is They're Made Out of Meat?
They're Made Out of Meat is a science fiction short story by Terry Bisson, first published in 1991, exploring the idea of a possible extraterrestrial civilization that is composed entirely of meat.
Feature
The story takes place in the year 2160, where a probe is sent to Earth to communicate with the human inhabitants, equipped with a universal translator, which assumes that all intelligent beings will be carbon-based and have a similar biochemistry.
How it Works
The probe encounters the human species and is surprised to find that humans are, in fact, made of meat, raising questions about the nature of intelligence, the possibility of intelligent life in other forms, and the limitations of our understanding of the universe.
Price
The story is widely available in science fiction anthologies and online platforms, offering a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of themes such as identity, consciousness, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Helpful Tips
- The story's title "They're Made Out of Meat" has become a cultural reference point and a symbol of the absurdity and complexity of interspecies communication.
- The story explores the idea of a possible extraterrestrial civilization that is composed entirely of meat, challenging our understanding of life and intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main theme of "They're Made Out of Meat"? The main theme of the story is the exploration of identity, consciousness, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
- What is the significance of the title "They're Made Out of Meat"? The title is a quote from the probe's conversation with a human, highlighting the absurdity and complexity of interspecies communication.
- Is "They're Made Out of Meat" a classic of science fiction literature? Yes, the story has been widely praised for its thought-provoking and humorous exploration of themes, and it has become a classic of science fiction literature.