Issue Date: August 4, 2002
Captain's log, star date 2002
Nearly four decades and countless spinoffs after his alter ego, Capt. James T. Kirk, boldly went -- well, you know the rest -- William Shatner still is discovering his own time portals and parallel universes. A master of reinvention, with a work schedule that travels at warp speed, the perpetual hipster remains curious about what's out there. At 71, he writes, sings (badly, he admits), answers all his e-mail, acts, rides horses and laughs -- often at himself. Earlier this year, he launched a Web site, williamshatner.com; this month he has a new book (his 22nd), "I'm Working on That: A Trek From Science Fiction to Science Fact" (Pocket Books, $25), about Star Trek-style technology in everyday life. Shatner sums up his philosophy: "The future is coming. It always does."
We recently spoke with him:
When did your interest in the marvels of the universe begin?
I was 12 or 13, at camp [outside Montreal, where he grew up]. I was a city kid, and when I looked up at the night sky without lights for the first time, I fell over backwards.
Does that sense of wonder ever get you into trouble?
Well, I'm always in trouble, so maybe that's it.
Do you think science can explain all the mysteries of life?
For those of us who question accepted beliefs of God, death and creation, when a scientist says there's more to life, it perks up our ears and we sniff the air a little more.
Where does science fiction fit in?
Science fiction lets us play out our nightmares and dreams in the theater of the future before turning them into reality. Maybe [it] inspires us and warns us: The future can be better, but [be] careful what you create.
What role does technology play?
I suspect technology will be the death of us.
Or at least make us obsolete. Do you fear death?
Very much so.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
When you look at the pictures taken by the Hubble telescope and see creation on such an enormous scale, you begin to see how life must permeate the universe.
Back on Earth, tell us about the new Priceline ads.
I'm not going to sing. There's an incipient unholy relationship with a supercomputer.
An unholy relationship?
I might be its lover ...
Okaaay ... What else don't we know about you?
My poker playing is really good, and the fact I lose money is not a fair assessment of my ability.
Contributing: Kelly DiNardo, Kathleen Phalen
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