476. Foundation

Foundation
Isaac Asimov
1951
Around 255 pages

I honestly can't wait until we get to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. So far we are getting very serious novels that unironically use terms like "Galactic Empire." There are certain elements of this universe I enjoy, but overall, I don't find Asimov to be a particularly compelling storyteller.

In 12,067 GE, Hari Seldon has developed psychohistory, a new field of science that can basically predict the future using math. Seldon discovers that the empire will collapse in 300 years, to be followed by a 30000 year dark age. Naturally, the Powers That Be don't want to hear that, but Seldon has a solution. By creating a total compendium of human knowledge, the Encyclopedia Galactica, the dark age can be reduced to a thousand years. He accepts the Empire's offer to complete the work on the remote planet of Terminus with another mathematician. 

I enjoyed the concept of the story more than the execution. Asimov is just so dry. His style lends the story credibility, as you do feel like you are reading a true account of humanity in its death throes. The world he presented wasn't one that I am tempted to revisit again and again, but points for creativity.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Elon Musk counts the series among the inspirations for his career. Thanks Asimov!

Won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966.

UP NEXT: Malone Dies by Samuel Beckett

462. I, Robot

I, Robot
Isaac Asimov
1950
Around 250 pages

I was just discussing the Robot Laws with my brother, who works in machine learning. According to Mike, who is the patron saint of Hot Takes, this story is fantasy/magic as there is no way that artificial intelligence would ever play out the way it does in Asimov's world. Believing robots would be capable of understanding harm to the extent that they would have some kind of Boy Scout pledge associated with protecting humans is apparently comforting nonsense and we are all doomed. Mike is always ready to lend a hand, should you need somebody to help push you off the ledge. 

So this isn't a novel so much as a collection of short stories/essays that are framed as Dr. Calvin's reminiscences as a robopsychologist at U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men Inc. The stories aren't concerned about killer robots or pre-canceled Will Smith, and takes a more thoughtful approach to the technology than we usually get. He didn't give them the Forbidden Planet treatment (even if there is a robot named Robbie), which is a pretty interesting perspective coming from 1950.

But I'm not a big sci fi person, with some notable exceptions, and I always found Asimov to be a little dry.  

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Asimov described Carl Sagan as one of only two people he ever met whose intellect surpassed his own. Seems like a modest man.

Asimov was a claustrophile, so he actually enjoyed being in enclosed spaces.

UP NEXT: The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing