Quote of the day

[hope]

The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than
society gathers wisdom.

[Redbeck]

Perspicacious individual Mr Asimov and his observations remain current and valid. Foresight indeed, I simply cannot believe he's no longer with us, almost 23 years since he passed on, an outstanding mind who saw with clarity the global mire in which we find ourselves today. Very good to see this quote back up in constant view where it belongs, thank you Hope.

If I may offer a favourite Isaac Asimov quote of mine, although there are so many, which perhaps epitomises one of the key drivers behind this site.

"The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing."

[Gunger]

@Redbeck Were I to begin reading Asimov, where should I start?

[Redbeck]

Asimov was also a Professor of Biochemistry, so while he is widely considered a master of hard science fiction he was also a prolific nonfiction author producing a broad palette of popular science books.

So in terms of answering the question, “Where to start with Asimov?”, Gunger, I should perhaps quote a number of tomes from both categories, I should add he also wrote hundreds of short stories, mysteries and fantasy, which only compounds both a spreading melange of choice and the weight of recommendation.

Talking Fiction: Asimov’s most famous work is the ‘Foundation series’, however somehow I preferred the ‘Galactic Empire series’ which is set in an earlier historic period in the same fictional universe as the ‘Foundation series’. However that is not meant to degrade the value of either, as both are fine bodies of work. His Robot series is also read extensively. In terms of short stories, Asimov’s social science fiction work ‘Nightfall’ was voted by the Science Fiction Writers of America as the best short science fiction story of all time in 1964 and probably is as worthy a point as any to gain an entry snapshot into the Isaac Asimov literary culture.

Nonfiction introduction: ‘Guide to science’, ‘Understanding Physics’ and the populist ‘Asimov’s Chronology of Science and Discovery’. IA covers a vast spectrum of nonfictional subject matter, ranging from the writings of William Shakespeare through mathematics, astronomy and not unexpectedly chemistry onward to history.

Hope this offers a little guidance Gunger, my best shot at a potted guide. R

[Gunger]

Thank you,

I'm very grateful for this list. I think I shall try, 'Guide to Science', 'Galactic Empire', and 'Nightfall'.

I'll start with 'Nightfall'.