Readers of such fictions learn to imagine alien societies, technologies, histories, languages, and forms of consciousness. This excites their ability to envision new futures for themselves individually and humanity collectively—a classic, long-recognized function of science fiction and fantasy.

Almost alone among contemporary Americans, intelligent young people at the Valley’s intersection of information technology and finance can find themselves not only richly rewarded for their talents and risk-taking but also equipped with the resources, skills, and mentorship to transform their own and our collective life. With the innovative... See more