Jules Verne: The visionary who dared to dream the future
Jules Verne, a renowned French writer, captivates audiences with both accurate and inaccurate predictions. How has his work influenced the worlds of science and literature?
Jules Verne, born in 1828 in France, emerged as one of the pioneers of science fiction literature. His works, such as "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "Around the Moon," have inspired generations of readers and creators. Verne skilfully combined his travel experiences with extensive scientific knowledge, creating visions that often surpassed their time.
Verne's predictions that came true
Verne foresaw several technologies that later materialised in reality. The most famous example is the Nautilus, a submarine featured in his novels. This vision significantly influenced the development of marine technology. Furthermore, his descriptions of space travel, although seemingly fantastic, showed surprising consistency with later space missions, such as the Apollo programme flights.
Inaccurate predictions in Verne's works
Not all of Verne's predictions proved accurate. The idea of launching a spacecraft from a giant cannon is one of his more inaccurate predictions, given the limitations of physics and technology. The construction of the Nautilus also contained errors—for example, the placement of depth rudders and the use of a compass inside a metal hull did not make practical sense.
Jules Verne forever changed literature, becoming an icon of adventure and futuristic writing. His work has inspired many to explore science and dream about the future. Despite criticism and some inaccurate visions, his influence on culture and science remains undeniable.
