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Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
Did you ever wonder what the collapse of the Roman empire would look like—but in space? Isaac Asimov sure did, and so he birthed a series of stories creating such a universe with [b:Foundation|29579|Foundation (Foundation #1)|Isaac Asimov|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417900846l/29579._SX50_.jpg|1783981]. At times kooky and others profoundly insightful, this book is a really great read that reimagines the past in the future.
Opening in the Galactic Empire with “The Psychohistorians,” Asimov introduces the concept of psychohistory, a field that takes into account past and current data/variables to formulate patterns and mathematical theory to predict the future. While not as fully fleshed out as his concept of robotics, this was a fascinating (and not all together farfetched) idea that echoes the prophecies of oracles. In particular, it made for a good cosmic setup.
With the decline imminent, Hari Seldon sets out to compile the Encyclopedia Galactica, a universal Wikipedia of sorts that will preserve knowledge in a way to mitigate the incoming dark age (as seen following the collapse of empires). In “The Encyclopedists,” this text has come to be interpreted in a number of different ways, as seen similarly in academia, with a readily apparent split made between armchair “researchers” juxtaposed to investigative types in the field. I found the end result rather satisfying.
The following stories of “The Mayors” and “The Traders” each serve to showcase the changing norms of technology and politics of the Foundation. I found “The Mayors” to be far stronger, with the introduction of religion by the Foundation as a means of population control in lieu of a traditionally direct power grab. It in many ways reminded me to George R. R. Martin’s use of religion in A Song of Ice and Fire as a driving source for legitimate action.
“The Merchant Princes” made for a satisfying conclusion, containing some of the more interesting plot twists and a mini court drama to boot. Moreover, it ties the theoretical ideas introduced in “The Psychohistorians” to the lived, interpersonal interactions between individuals trying to survive. The key to survival requires keen observations followed up by an active response rooted in conviction—which made Mallow and his conclusions all the more interesting.
Overall, I really liked this book, though admittedly it may not be for everyone. The prose can be dry, but if you like conceptual ideas pushing plot in outer space, then I would still definitely recommend Foundation for any interested parties.
Opening in the Galactic Empire with “The Psychohistorians,” Asimov introduces the concept of psychohistory, a field that takes into account past and current data/variables to formulate patterns and mathematical theory to predict the future. While not as fully fleshed out as his concept of robotics, this was a fascinating (and not all together farfetched) idea that echoes the prophecies of oracles. In particular, it made for a good cosmic setup.
With the decline imminent, Hari Seldon sets out to compile the Encyclopedia Galactica, a universal Wikipedia of sorts that will preserve knowledge in a way to mitigate the incoming dark age (as seen following the collapse of empires). In “The Encyclopedists,” this text has come to be interpreted in a number of different ways, as seen similarly in academia, with a readily apparent split made between armchair “researchers” juxtaposed to investigative types in the field. I found the end result rather satisfying.
The following stories of “The Mayors” and “The Traders” each serve to showcase the changing norms of technology and politics of the Foundation. I found “The Mayors” to be far stronger, with the introduction of religion by the Foundation as a means of population control in lieu of a traditionally direct power grab. It in many ways reminded me to George R. R. Martin’s use of religion in A Song of Ice and Fire as a driving source for legitimate action.
“The Merchant Princes” made for a satisfying conclusion, containing some of the more interesting plot twists and a mini court drama to boot. Moreover, it ties the theoretical ideas introduced in “The Psychohistorians” to the lived, interpersonal interactions between individuals trying to survive. The key to survival requires keen observations followed up by an active response rooted in conviction—which made Mallow and his conclusions all the more interesting.
Overall, I really liked this book, though admittedly it may not be for everyone. The prose can be dry, but if you like conceptual ideas pushing plot in outer space, then I would still definitely recommend Foundation for any interested parties.