Monday, January 02, 2006

Isaac Asimov 1920-1992


From Quotes of the day:

Isaac Asimov was born at Petrovichi, Russia on this day in 1920. His family emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, and Asimov went on to Columbia University (BS, MA, and PhD), then taught biochemistry at Boston University until 1958 when he left the classroom to write full time. He wrote a torrent, over 477 titles before his death. One source claims he is the only author to publish at least one book in every major classification of the Dewey decimal system, his works included books on Shakespeare and Biblical studies, science, and, of course, science fiction.

A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.

I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.

No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.

Science is a mechanism, a way of trying to improve your knowledge of nature. It's a system for testing your thoughts against the universe, and seeing whether they match.

Suppose that we are wise enough to learn and know - and yet not wise enough to control our learning and knowledge, so that we use it to destroy ourselves? Even if that is so, knowledge remains better than ignorance.

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' ('I found it!') but rather 'hmm, that's funny...'
- All from Isaac Asimov, 1920 - 1992

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