So, I finally finished after many delays (work has been a nightmare the last two months). Foundation and Robots of Dawn where I was given my true introduction into science fiction so it’s allways held a special place in my heart.
What I’ve always noticed is how Asimov seemed to grasp an understanding of human nature and the behavior of humans in certain environments.
It’s not hard to believe that there would be people who react the way they do at each cusp (Stranger in a Strange Land would be another awesome group read). How the commission reacts to Seldon and his people on Trantor. How Anacreon acts towards the Encyclopedists. How Weinis (sp?) reacts to the religion set up. How Mallow takes the next step for the Foundation. The list goes on. At each point, you can look at historical analogies of how similar items have occured.
I only wish we could include the rest of the trilogy as there are more examples there. You can compare Bel Riose to McArthur (as well as Marc Anthony, other Roman Generals, etc). While some may say that Truman recalled McArthur only because he was successful, we shouldn’t forget that McArthur disobeyed direct orders in order to achieve his own goals. While doing so, he was also successful (until the Chinese counterattack of course).
okay, maybe it’s a bit Apples-To-Oranges but while both are gripping and epic I think the scope and thought in the Foundation books put it on an entire other level.
