Monday, April 6, 2020

Isaac Asimov on This Day in History


This Day in History: American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov died on this day in 1992. Known for writing "I Robot" and the Foundation series, he coined the term "Robotics."

During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke.

Interestingly, the only work of his I ever owned was a 1300 page, two-volume “Asimov’s Guide to the Bible“ covering the Old and the New Testament which made for an interesting read, especially since he was an atheist. 

Unfortunately, Asimov issued many appeals for population control, reflecting a perspective articulated by people from Thomas Malthus through Paul R. Ehrlich, proving that smart people often hold on to stupid beliefs.

Asimov was very prolific: he wrote or edited over 500 volumes. 

There is an asteroid named after him and Honda also has a robot named after him (Asimo). 

Asimov died from AIDS related complications after he contracted HIV from a blood transfusion in 1983. The cause for his death was kept secret by his widow for over a decade after his death.

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