"The Foundation Trilogy" by Isaac Asimov

For decades I have been wanting to read the Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov. In fact, my desire to read it dates back to when it was still just a trilogy. It has a reputation as one of the best, most seminal science fiction works. Turns out, it is very good, but not what I expected.

Asimov was inspired by real history, and by “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” All he basically seemed to do was reimagine such a fall of civilization as a hypothetical future of humanity out in space. It is not, however, an epic take like the “Lord of the Rings,” requiring less investment of time and thought. Still, one sees the seeds of a lot of speculative fiction since this work. It is a must read for sci-fi fans.

And, for those who like to collect interesting quotes, there are some good ones here. Especially in the first volume:

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”

“It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety.”

“A fire eater must eat fire, even if he has to kindle it himself.”

“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.”

“To succeed planning alone is insufficient. One must improvise as well.”

“He is a dreamer of ancient times, or rather, of myths of what ancient times used to be. Such men are harmless in themselves, but their queer lack of realism makes them fools for others.”

“It is well known that the friend of a conqueror is but the last victim.”