*See, the world is full of things more powerful than us. But if you know how to catch a ride, you can go places,* [*Neal Stephenson*](http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/545.Neal_Stephenson?utm_medium=email&utm_source=quote_of_the_day) Happy birthday, Neal Stephenson! The Snow Crash writer is actively involved in turning science fiction into science fact. In 2014, tech startup Magic Leap hired the author as Chief Futurist to aid in the development of their augmented reality devices.