What Sci-Fi Got Right: Asimov's 1972 Novel & Its Impact on Politics

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In summary, the conversation discusses the science fiction novel The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov, which explores the discovery of free energy and its potential to destroy the Earth. The senator in the conversation argues that the public prioritizes their own comfort over environmental protection, and imagines the chaos that would ensue if people were forced to give up their comforts. The conversation also mentions the controversial concept of organlegging and how science fiction has predicted and influenced societal attitudes towards it.
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Hornbein
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Science fiction author Isaac Asimov's 1972 novel The Gods Themselves is about mankind having discovered how to get free energy. It's great until some scientists figure out it is going to cause the Sun to go nova and destroy the Earth. Here's what happens when they talk to a senator.

"Let me give you a lesson in practical politics." Senator Burt looked at his wristwatch, leaned back and smiled. "It is a mistake," he said, "to suppose the public wants the environment protected or their lives saved and that they will be grateful to any idealist who will fight for such end.. What the the public wants is their own individual comfort."

Then he tell them that the voters aren't going to give up free energy and if the world is destroyed, well, that's just too bad. Gotta be impressed.
 
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Imagine people being told there’s a new mandate to stop driving for x months. There would be riots everywhere.
 
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Organlegging
The Jigsaw Man

vs.

reality
also

So far it is not a really widely accepted practice, but Sci-Fi definitely got the possibility right :frown:
Also, I wonder how much of the resistance against this can be attributed to the early warning.
 
  • #4
Hornbein said:
Science fiction author Isaac Asimov's 1972 novel The Gods Themselves...
Decades before that, George Orwell penned 1984, and surely his prediction of the surveillance society and Ministry of Truth is more frightening, even if you don't classify his novel as sci-fi.
 

1. How did Asimov's novel impact politics?

Asimov's novel, "The Gods Themselves," explored the concept of parallel universes and the potential consequences of harnessing unlimited energy. This sparked discussions and debates about the ethical and political implications of such technology, leading to increased scrutiny and regulation of scientific research and advancements.

2. What specific predictions did Asimov make in his novel that came true?

One of the most notable predictions in Asimov's novel was the development of a device called the "electron pump," which could harness energy from parallel universes. This concept has since been explored and researched by scientists, with some theories suggesting that it may be possible in the future.

3. Did Asimov's novel accurately portray the political climate of the time?

Asimov's novel was published in 1972 during the Cold War, and it accurately depicted the tensions and power struggles between different nations and political ideologies. The novel also delved into the theme of global cooperation and the potential consequences of political conflicts.

4. How did Asimov's novel influence other works of science fiction?

Asimov's novel introduced the concept of parallel universes and the potential consequences of manipulating energy, which has since been explored and expanded upon in other works of science fiction. This novel also sparked discussions and debates about the impact of technology on society and the role of government in regulating scientific advancements.

5. What lessons can be learned from Asimov's novel in terms of politics and science?

Asimov's novel highlights the importance of considering the potential consequences of scientific advancements and the need for responsible and ethical decision-making in the field of politics. It also emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and the potential dangers of political conflicts in the pursuit of scientific progress.

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