I like to be inspired by the works of others as well. I just have to remember what isn’t real about them!
When you find yourself impressed by fiction, it might be interesting to try to consciously think about what the author has glossed over, or the unrealistic leaps they take. Other commenters have mentioned that authors construct their works to be most favorable to presenting their worldviews—you might also note that, for example, Ayn Rand does not exactly include many technological details in her works on fiction: she doesn’t know, the characters don’t know. Much less impressive that way. What else are you impressed by that isn’t real? And then—what’s left that is real?
I like to be inspired by the works of others as well. I just have to remember what isn’t real about them!
When you find yourself impressed by fiction, it might be interesting to try to consciously think about what the author has glossed over, or the unrealistic leaps they take. Other commenters have mentioned that authors construct their works to be most favorable to presenting their worldviews—you might also note that, for example, Ayn Rand does not exactly include many technological details in her works on fiction: she doesn’t know, the characters don’t know. Much less impressive that way. What else are you impressed by that isn’t real? And then—what’s left that is real?