Interview with Larry Niven: Sci-Fi Legend Behind *Ringworld*

Swift Summary

• Larry Niven, a legendary science fiction author, recently participated in a Zoom interview with New Scientist.
• His iconic 1970 novel Ringworld was discussed at length, including its inspiration from Dyson spheres and the global academic response to its physics concepts.
• Niven expressed pride in creating Ringworld,noting it transformed his career and became a “grand intellectual toy” for readers to explore.
• He shared perspectives on science fiction’s role in envisioning the future and stated that works like Ringworld might be even more triumphant today.
• Niven elaborated on related works like The Ringworld Engineers, collaboration stories such as The Mote in God’s eye written with Jerry Pournelle, and his dystopian novel-based effort, A World Out of Time.
• He is currently collaborating with Steven Barnes on projects within his Known Space universe.
• Niven’s favorite sci-fi book (non-authored) is Samuel R. Delany’s Nova, while overall favorite book is The Wizard of Oz. Favorite TV show: Star Trek; favorite movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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