Isaac Asimov talks about superstition, religion and why he teaches rationality

[@dannydoc1969]

I grew up in NYC, and one day I was waiting for the 5th Ave. bus next to Central Park. I was a student at the Bronx HS of Science, and was a huge science fiction buff. I had read Asimov’s sci-fi books, and many of his real science books. Who should happen to come and wait at the bus stop? Doctor Asimov. I was thrilled. We began a great conversation on his books, on biology, biochemistry, and other topics. We got onto the same bus, and continued the talk till he got off, around 15 minutes later. He was down to earth, brilliant, and interested in my comments. A day I have never forgotten.

[@thhall459]

Wow, you are a very lucky person! It is thrilling to me to hear one more true life story of how kind and gentle he was with us mere ordinary people!

[@kenmoskowitz815]

I heard him give a talk at Swarthmore College when I was an undergraduate. It was one of the best I heard in four years. And what I remember most was how good his jokes were!

[@silentotto5099]

You win! No story from my life can top that.

[@Maliique]

They say never meet your heros. You struck gold. Lucky.

[@lillysnet9345]

Where the old wise man has gone... Now we have this wise 20 years old jumping around and telling us what life is...

[@Stogie2112]

An interviewer who gave tough questions and actually listened to the answers without interrupting. BRILLIANT!!

[@nizaradams7391]

Not, I think Isaac was too ahead of his time. His calm demeanor played a crucial role in that interview. The journalist was not prepared for this individual and had to use Issacs replies and information to get through the discussion. No research done and a bad taste on my mouth closing. All kudos to the rational person (Isaac) who needed to explain this view constantly. I love these discussions as it improves my bad English :)

[@nixl3518]

@@nizaradams7391 you’re the first person in all of this commentary that I have found who actually gets it! I had already made similar comments above countering all the adulation for the interviewer who is a self-confident buffoon. Your assessment is completely accurate and I am relieved to have read your comments.

[@sunset2.00]

True he did his job well

[@nixl3518]

@@sunset2.00 Sorry but this interviewer was way over his head and I'm sorry to say that your reaction puts you in the same boat. He arrived unprepared and self-confident that he could interview Isaac without preparation. Perhaps you have not read any of his books to know any better but the interviewer cannot feign ignorance. His decision to interview him required he be read up, but I it appears he just doesn't get how much more advanced Isaac's thinking is and thinks he did a good job. Isaac's cool did not allow the event to be ruined but the interviewer squandered a singular opportunity!

[@travisb1757]

Great interview! Great to listen to this. I don't agree with everything being espoused, but I love to hear the dialogue and ideas.

[@mikemccormick4211]

Did you notice? Not once was he interrupted and no interjections throughout . Absolutely wonderful. Media people have lost this art.

[@gwijiwamamboflani8225]

Advertising has taken over

[@purplehz97]

@@gwijiwamamboflani8225 $$$

[@ThorD4602]

An incredibly adept and intelligent interviewer. I'll be looking for more of his work.

[@pepegaplays4023]

To be fair, Asimov is an intelligent person, so there really aren't gonna be major disputes. If someone in an interview starts saying irrational things, it's the interviewers job to interject.

[@postblitz]

It's not "art", just common sense and basic decency. Media people in general have never had it, most good interviewers are laymen at heart.

[@saxonkrautz]

Truly heartbreaking how little true progress we have made. Discussing rationality today (2021) still feels like screaming into the void.

[@farrider3339]

@@thedukeofnuts optimist 😊

[@Sizdothyx]

If rationality was the be all end all, then KZbin wouldn't need to exist. Irrationality is a human trait. In fact, your existence is a result of irrationality, because rationality would dictate a concrete constant of high-performance individuals performing at close-to-optimum levels of production and efficiency for the sake of a greater goal and discarding the unnecessary. You are unnecessary. To keep you around would be illogical. Doesn't sound so nice, does it? In fact, I'd go a step further: those industrial villains we see in the news, in the papers, giving talks ... they're the most rational of us all. If you want rationality so much, you and I would have to commit suicide to remove ourselves from the pool, because there is nothing that we can do that someone can do better and at a more economical opportunity cost. That's your rationality right there. Rationality would eliminate the arts: music, literature, anything you can think of. Entertainment is irrational; rationality is production, the ability to self-spur into the optimization of existence. Ballast is discarded. Ballast like you, ballast like me. So don't talk to me about rationality, because you're definitely not the one to give that lecture. Unless you're a scientist at NASA pushing the boundaries of available physics, rationality would dictate that you are a waste of space, ergo, irrelevant, unwanted and irrational. So many people want to talk about being rational, but all they really are at the end of the day are a bunch of hipsters thinking they're better than other people with nothing to show for it.

[@saxonkrautz]

You make some good points. Though I don't agree that all art is irrational. Art is an expression or attempt of understanding. I was unaware I was lecturing anybody when leaving a short sad comment on an old video.

[@Sizdothyx]

@@saxonkrautz Emotion is seen as the anathema to rationality, and art is usually an expression of it. You can disagree on that, but there's a reason the quote "it's soulless" exists.

[@AriaHarmony]

@@Sizdothyx So many assumptions about someone you don't know, and generalizations about a bunch of people without data to back it up... that's quite irrational of you :) What you're saying is not rationality nor skepticism, it's cynicism, and cynicism gets nothing done, it doesn't help you nor help you nor help anyone else.

[@barry646]

I am 53. Asimov and Sagan among others helped shape my view on the world. This interviewer is top notch, too...

[@TheEdge92]

Who are the others?

[@eloka4510]

This is exactly what journalism is all about. Excellent journalist

[@moejaime2654]

I can only say that Sagan and Asimov were good teachers of science and logic but the unknown is a lot more then the known . We need to be careful when being close minded to new things many scientist have closed themselves off to only what they can measure with their knowledge and that knowledge is limited and best ! I can understand the lack of wisdom in science has well has occult both have many theories yet also both have many things that are in sync with each other " logic is only the beginning of wisdom " .

[@AvatarOfBhaal]

​@@moejaime2654 Isn't that a closed minded opinion in and of itself though? I mean, when you say "most scientists" what I can only assume you mean is most which we hear from, in which case I'd rebute that we only hear from most scientists in regards to their research (opposed to their wider views on the world). As far as Asimov goes, he's not a scientist. He's an author who's informed by science (beyond a singular domain). Sagan often speaks about social unity and life beyond our solar system, which is something which resides far from the known. To say "knowledge is limiting at best" seems excessive. Surely knowledge is a prerequisite of logic/wisdom? We can't act with wisdom if we lack the knowledge which forms the foundation of logic.

[@ibrock139]

@@AvatarOfBhaal I agree that knowledge supports wisdom. It can temper our actions. For example, Asimov was a Professor of Biochemistry at Boston U. He was actually a scientist for whom fiction was actually his side interest. Knowing this I'd assume that he went to symposia and conferences and had a pretty good grasp of other practitioners his field's assumptions. Also, and I write this respectfully, "rebute" is not a word; there's refute (a verb) and refutation (a noun) and there's rebuttal ( a noun) but there no verb to 'rebute'.

[@liberty-matrix]

"People will go for certainty, even if it's wrong." ~Isaac Asimov

[@andrewxc1335]

Huuuufffffff... «stares daggers at 2016 - 2020»

[@hugueds]

Golan Trevize plot

[@hauntedhose]

Certainty repels curiosity ☝️

[@questioneverything8876]

Was he talking about science.?

[@andrewxc1335]

@@questioneverything8876 Science & scientists know that their ideas are just close approximations to reality, and ever-closer every time that there is more data collected. It is up to the public to understand that, as well.

[@The8BitGuy]

He was a very wise man! Much respect!

[@Chetanarora2308]

I spent the whole lockdown watching your channel 🤗

[@worthlessguy7477]

It's been ages since I saw something on your channel. This comment is bringing back all my memories.

[@havock89]

He was not a wise man. Asimov was an intelligent man, who came up with some genuinely good ideas, but was devoid of common sense. He was the product of his time, and initial formation, just as most men are. Indeed he is rather mundane in that sense.

[@wendigo2442]

I, rapist

[@herrripley7529]

​@@havock89could you elaborate why you think he was devoid of common sense? I don't know this man, I'm just curious

[@raisaaabdullah9044]

What a brilliant intellectual discourse! I wish these kind of conversations are shown in schools to teach kids on how to communicate without conflict, and respect your fellow human beings

[@dennismorris7573]

I included this type of analytical thinking in my medical ethics classes in medical school. There is much good education out there - sadly, in line with what Isaac Asimov says here, people have the tendency to focus on some less-typical class offerings to (incorrectly) prove that a university education is not worth it. Simply put, a cop-out of weaker minds.

[@sergeN67]

What a great interviewer! No interruptions, letting the guest speak... Richard D. Heffner, great class.

[@herbalgerbil]

Very professional compared to the antagonists that we have today.

[@firstbornjordan]

serge N - so true, which makes this interview unique and rare. Imagine a world today where every interviewer had such understanding, poise and intellect to reciprocate adequately.

[@crhkrebs]

Agreed. I knew Asimov was going to be a great interview, but I was struck with the quality of the interviewer. That's a lost art. " Imagine a world today where every interviewer had such understanding, poise and intellect to reciprocate adequately." Sadly, television doesn't value any of those qualities anymore. It's confrontation and provocation that sells the ads nowadays.

[@wilfredmcguire3017]

I always appreciate a good interviewer. This guy does a good job. You can see that he listens, pays attention, and adds thoughtful, appropriate questions at appropriate times. Charlie Rose was good at this; he had a show on PBS for may years -- a round-table discussion show -- but he was kicked out after the Me Too movement brought his sexual offenses to light. Sadly, Tavis Smiley, who also had an interview show on PBS was another great interviewer who also lost his job after sexual harassment allegations came to light. Sometimes Joe Rogan does a good job at interviewing; he is thoughtful and listens well. He will occasionally interrupt, but it is usually fairly appropriate. Can't think of others right now. It is an art, and the masters are too few.

[@Eralen00]

I was just going to say this, he's asking really good questions

[@cookiemadison8529]

Watching this in June 2020. What pleasure it is to hear rational ideas, discussed rationally. A reminder of how much we've lost our way.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Yes. Somehow, the requirement for *evidence* to support a person's viewpoint has disappeared and any claim seems to have the same validity as any other.

[@suryakumars]

It's about time we started compiling an encyclopedia.

[@cookiemadison8529]

@@suryakumars Agreed

[@cookiemadison8529]

@@JustWasted3HoursHere I reject your truth and replace it with my own...now let's discuss how wearing a mask is a government conspiracy!

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@cookiemadison8529 Sadly, some people think it is (Trump supporters).

[@davidmaclennan3189]

Missing from this discourse: Insults; Name-calling; Interruptions; Confirmation bias; Ridicule; Sarcasm; Avoiding key questions; Lieing; Racial undertones; Intolerance; Mockery; Insensitivity; Weaponization; Thanks!

[@davidhenderson5051]

lmao

[@tommymcweedface229]

@Rude Kitty I'm from the US. Just ignore the republican. They don't have sense.

[@johnwright3815]

You are so right...we need to speak out - respectfully , of course!

[@Lordradost]

"So what you're saying is..." xD

[@PapagenoMF]

In other words, Donald Trump is sitting in one of the chairs.

[@GilbertRose-u1u]

Asimov was my college graduation speaker in 1979 and a month doesn’t go by when I thank my luck stars that he was! That talk transformed me in ways I’m still pondering.

[@Rat_Bastard_of_Blackwater]

He was a great man. I'm glad to see someone who got to hear him speak in person. Unfortunately I was not there, and if you don't mind me asking, what was his speech about?

[@GilbertRose-u1u]

@@Rat_Bastard_of_Blackwatergood Morning! In the late 70’s we were obsessed with where we were going in the post oil crisis age, his two broad themes I recall were that “energy” will be radically different in the future and the wonder we were experiencing in how fast technology was moving in our lifetime! We all knew we were truly blessed to have such a rock star as our last lecturer! I’ll never forget it!

[@Rat_Bastard_of_Blackwater]

@@GilbertRose-u1u that's brilliant! It's amazing that you got to be there. Thank you.

[@whistlingdixie7939]

"They served us because we knew so little about the world. " Gold.

[@toni4729]

Trouble is in this day and age even in the USA people are still so ignorant. WHY?

[@mid7699]

@@toni4729 true

[@johnb2649]

TMPanos96 Plutarch, Lives: Pericles(c. 495-429 bc.) ...”he seems to have learned to despise those superstitious fears which the common phenomena of the heavens produce in those who, ignorant of their cause, and knowing nothing about them, refer them all to the immediate action of the gods. Knowledge of physical science, while it puts an end to superstitious terrors, replaces them by a sound basis...

[@bozo5632]

But religions and superstitions don't really try to make sense of the physical world, they're about people and society - which we still don't understand very well. Science has shown that there are seeds smaller than mustard seeds, so Jesus was wrong. But what does science say about whether or not to give unto Caesar? Maybe Jesus was wrong about that too, IDK, but there are no underlying rational, objective facts involved.

[@faustin289]

@TMPanos96 Then why do you think everyone agrees that the middle ages was a dark period for science where almost 1500 years went on without any significant scientific progress?

[@TheJayLenoFly]

Listen, I don't have to sell you Isaac Asimov, if you're rational enough, you already love him, if you're still not rational enough, AFTER watching this, then I'm out of all means of convincing you. BUT, what I want to sell you instead is, this interviewer, is absolutely fantastic! What a great interviewer, one of the best I've seen.

[@movingpicutres99]

The Jayleno Fly Do look online for more by this interviewer. A public TV series called The Open Mind.

[@GT-yt3uh]

Amen, brother/sister ;)

[@charleshoops2307]

morons

[@vadinhopsc]

@@charleshoops2307 Why the plural? It seems you can use the singular... there's just one here.

[@duantorruellas716]

True , the host is almost invisible as he ask just the right questions. He's probably read some of his work.

[@bbigd0]

" I may, occasionally influence someone" ... Oh yes, Issac. You did. In a bigger way than you envisioned. But we need you NOW, more than ever. Civilization & rationality are teetering on the brink ...

[@jjbud3124]

@Gernot Schrader I grew up with Asimov, read all his scifi and many of his scientific books. Looking back, I am sure he was one of my most important influencers, along with my brilliant self-taught father and my wonderful mother who was a pillar of our family. Both of them, back in the early 1900's and 1910's, had to quit 7th and 8th grades to go to work. Neither had much schooling, but they educated themselves and raised successful children and grandchildren, all of whom are successful, thinking, rational people. I feel so lucky to be part of that. Asimov was far from a perfect man, but his good far outweighs his faults.

[@flychomperfly]

@@jjbud3124 he was also one of my childhood heroes. I was so devastated that he didn't live long enough to get to talk to him. I tried to contact his wife, but she was hiding from the public. You say Asimov was not perfect (not that any of us are), but you seem to refer to specific issues. What would those be?

[@jjbud3124]

@@flychomperfly He was a sexist through and through.

[@flychomperfly]

@@jjbud3124 ah... yes. While it is an issue, at least people were warned about him -- he never hid his reputation. Also, at the time he lived, the females often encouraged or were "honored" to have men oogling them. I don't get it, but there were enough females like that, that he wouldn't have gotten the message to stop. He also lived at a time when women had fewer rights and even relegated THEMSELVES to stereotypes that were very frustrating to me. I would bet that if he had made it through to our current mindset, he would have re-thought and adjusted his actions/opinions. But, there was no logic for him to do so at the time.

[@jjbud3124]

@@flychomperfly Agree, it was much more acceptable at that time. He was still a hero of mine, regardless. His other qualities were strong.

[@richardtwarren2]

I wonder how he would feel looking at the state of the world right now in 2023. Such an inspiring man and it's so sad more people don't listen to his words.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Dude ppl say that every year. ‘The state of the world in [insert current year]’ holy shit what whining, do you ever think about how privileged we are? The technology we have where we can live in such comfort. Every year its this doomsday talk about how this year is the worst humanity ever has been, clearly you dont read up on your history. The world might end but humanity certainly isnt any worse than it used to be

[@123rocker0071987]

My dear Socrates once wrote, '“The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.” It is not surprising.......

[@paulcherry8742]

​@@GuineaPigEverydayGood and wise words 😊

[@jeffmiller3499]

I imagine not as disgusted as he'd be about his son getting caught with the biggest child p**n collection in California history just 6 years after his father's death. For those wondering, he got probation and a 200$ fine 😶😠 The prosecutor? Robert Mueller. What a disgrace to his great father.

[@clifftanton8385]

A brilliant good visionary man interviewer smart as a whip very respectful you can tell he wants to hear and is interested in what Dr Asimov has to say

[@arturrosa3166]

How I wish modern talk shows still had these deep and rational conversations, where there isn't a commercial break every 5 minutes and every answer cannot be longer than 30 seconds and the interviewer doesn't constantly interrupt the interviewee...

[@BoggWeasel]

The last one went when Charlie Rose got booted, similar interview format with a very wide range of guests not just popular celebrities plugging their latest movie, album or book. Hasn't been a replacement since.

[@redrider1123]

It's called the Joe Rogan Experience, a podcast on KZbin where one on one conversations on many different topics routinely run for two or three hours. You're welcome.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

I mean, this sort of interview was rare back then too. Nothing has really changed in this regard.

[@mcgeufer]

I'm afraid you could not do that nowadays. That would be too politicall-correct so no one would watch it. People seem to need all the coursing, extremism and blaming others all the sudden.

[@flychomperfly]

@@mcgeufer couldn't do that back then, either. It was only on 2 types of shows... on PBS where there was no advertising or commercial sponsors... or on community service programs by the stations and networks that were REQUIRED broadcasts due to FCC regulations (which are no longer required bc of deregulation). Commercialization won...and so we all lose.

[@Roy_shidai]

Imagine having a good conversation like this with a friend. People who genuinely seek to know the truth without feeling attacked or anything. it's just so good.

[@tempestive1]

Join the Atheist Community of Discord :)

[@joehay4455]

Yeh, you raise a really good point, hard to express yourself these days with out everyone taking offence, and then tying too "negatise" (may have made that word up?!) your viewpoint, because after all, it is just a view point, and debate is only a way to shine light on all our views, it's how we learn t be better human beings. It's a form of mass narcissism, we cant all be trauma kids!!

[@RandallHeath1121]

Wouldn't that be refreshing, instead of so many interviews or conversations being based on the premise of ginning up outrage? Hard to believe - and so, so sad - that one of the major news networks has chosen to base its business model not on information or exchanging ideas civilly, but simply to focus on deliberately creating false outrage, pushing buttons just to get an emotional response out of their viewers instead of providing real information or stimulating them to think critically about a topic. Faux isn't the only guilty party, but they're certainly the most prominent and worst offender, leaving aside outlets such as One America and similar nonsense.

[@grantwebb2199]

@Lord Methane what does this mean?

[@drownedbladeguarantee4691]

@@tempestive1 atheists are arrogant and everyone on discord is an utter idiot, no thanks. All you get is irrationality with those condescending hypocritical retard assholes full of logical fallacy and low intellect.

[@Primitarian]

How quickly, clearly, concisely, thoroughly, and decisively he responded to every question.

[@MadsterV]

The mark of a honest, well informed man: no need to dance around any topics, no need to weasel out of previous affirmations

[@Primitarian]

@@MadsterV I just hope he was wrong about religion because it would be great if he might someday reincarnate.

[@GM-jw2gq]

Just came across this interview in 2021. It's refreshing to hear a respectful and intelligent conversation.

[@Skittenmeow]

I'm glad I caught it in last days of this year! I'm sure I've seen parts of this interview, my older brother was a huge Asimov fan even back in the time this was recorded. But it hits hard this year, watching my brother fight against right-wing politicians and their wacky Covid misinformation

[@biancamo10]

"Who cares who is going to win when everyone is going to lose?" This is gold. Thanks for uploading.

[@robertbetz8461]

Isaac Asimov was the most important person in my life I never met. My views on religion, science, skepticism and so on are based on reading his books and his monthly science column in Fantasy and Science Fiction. I miss you Dr. Asimov!

[@PeterStuckings]

Incredible that, when this was recorded, he'd had a heart attack, triple bypass heart surgery, and was HIV+ as a result of a blood transfusion during the surgery 5 years earlier. A real trooper.

[@mirrortoyourweakness9769]

He was FREE

[@chewiewins]

Had not realised about HIV status. Actually despite him being one of my favourite authors growing up, never thought to read about his life! Catching up now.

[@AndyJK45]

Trouper, not trooper :-) However he is clearly a calm and sensible person and that would reduce his medical complications from the HIV infection.

[@zappababe8577]

So sad that he contracted HIV at a time when we couldn't do much to treat it. If he had been able to live a little bit longer, until the better treatments came along, he might have had many more years on this Earth. He is one of my favourite authors.

[@irvhh143]

That was a different era. Smoking was everywhere. A potbelly was something to be proud of. Ppl drank so much that if someone was an alcoholic, you'd hardly know the difference. Now, everyone is getting on the fitness bandwagon.

[@darylaarons6625]

Wow! What a great conversation. The interviewer was very well prepared, and Mr. Asimov was simply brilliant in his responses. I’m so glad this showed up in my KZbin feed in 2021.

[@jeffwells1255]

Asimov is one of my all-time heroes: a brilliant writer, a PhD chemist and a great friend of Arthur C. Clarke (among many others), as well as a true humanist who genuinely cares about the fate of humanity and the sustainability of all life on Earth!!

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Have you read or listened to Noam Chomsky ? His voice can put me to sleep, but I like his books. What's your take, on Chomsky ?

[@lucylegtwister9420]

One of the greats as an intellect and humanist. What a calm, steadying influence he provided for humanity. Would give anything to had have met him. This interviewer is really talented as well.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Lucy Legtwister: Solid comment.

[@rioboyer6957]

Cathy Whitney the exact same thing could be said of Charlie Chaplin and his movie The Dictator the speech he gave that was written 72 years ago and if you would kindly just look at the world around you you'd see a terrifying truth to his words Isaac Asimov is the absolute best I agree with your comment 100%

[@irenedewolf9184]

Cathy Whitney Houston

[@nizaradams7391]

Nice! You have an eye for good people!

[@8698gil]

As an atheist, I can really appreciate a man like Asimov. I have never understood why people believe, even though I was raised in a highly religious home. I used to suspect that parents told their children about heaven and hell in order to keep them in line, but didn't really believe it, much the same way that parents tell their kids about Santa Claus. I started asking questions at a very young age, like "Where did Cain get his wife?", and "what did everyone eat after they got off the ark?". Questions like this drove my parents crazy, and they would try to assure me that after the flood food just "magically" appeared, and that more people just appeared after Adam and Eve out of nowhere.

[@maddyv5660]

@Saint Ratus have you heard of anybody raised atheist turned religious or superstitious? Are their perceptions poorly calibrated? Aren't all our perceptions poorly calibrated? We are all subjected to some sort of bias or slant whether one way or the other. If we are all poorly calibrated in some way or another, how can we judge who or what is calibrated correctly?

[@maddyv5660]

@@irvhh143 I'm sorry about that 😢which religion or church?

[@BLUEGENE13]

​@@maddyv5660 good comment

[@BooksForever]

Were you ever able to ascertain whether your own parents merely put forth the religious beliefs as a means to manipulate you towards good behavior, or did they truly believe their stories?

[@lindanicholson950]

I never thought about what they ate after they got off the ark. Thanks for the thought.

[@Ralesk]

4 years later, KZbin randomly recommends this to me. Blessed be the Algorithm.

[@Phourc]

Praise be! :P

[@seanomeirs8362]

@@rowens7721 I spoke of Issac Asimov an hour ago while speaking to my sister, and I have already gotten the recommendation from KZbin.

[@janetrichards8063]

Roam free@Sarah's Riding The Storm Wave.

[@kenyalevy8526]

Lolllll, Sameee

[@sparks2389]

Ya dude i too got this recommendation and now I am enlightened

[@lobintool]

"Who cares who is going to win when everyone is going to lose?" Nailed it..!

[@johnmarshall4442]

June 8th 2021 scary statement now.

[@NeilRoy]

Nailed what? If God is real, than everyone will not lose... well, except him and all those that follow his ideas.

[@chocolate_squiggle]

@@NeilRoy There's no doubt, no question. God is a made up fiction.

[@ericdecker2914]

chocolate squiggle Unfortunately, so is the Chocolate Squiggle. 😢

[@2104T34]

Isaac Asimov was always at the top of my list This man could give you an answer and broaden your horizons on any subject He also had this quality not to make you feel like an idiot while he was doing it

[@TheClassicWorld]

Christopher Hitchens did that. Only, he did make you feel like an idiot... and he had the ability to make you feel good about it... to make you no longer an idiot.

[@thhall459]

Back in the early 1990s, after I had read several of his foundation series books, I wrote him a letter with a question about a technical detail in his writing. He actually wrote me a very thoughtful response! I was astounded! Asimov is one of the great treasures of humanity.

[@2104T34]

thhall459 Thank you for sharing it I probably wouldn’t even know how to reach him

[@thhall459]

NET MATE if I remember correctly, in the back of the books the publisher gave an address to write him! That was long before the internet, and even before I got my first computer in 1991, which was a Dell 386 with a 100 megabyte hard drive, with 4 megabytes of RAM and a 14” VGA color monitor!

[@depalans6740]

@@thhall459 I am sure you cherished that letter. If it was me that would be the most precious that i could have. What a great man he was.

[@simonpotter7534]

A great man and a constant companion when I was a teenager (through his books). I wish there were more like him, the world needs them.

[@1JMoney]

Haha

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

Isaac was essentially my 3rd parent when I was a kid. Starting with Lucky Starr when I was in 5th grade I loved his books. And his way of looking at the world. I grew up in a very rural & conservative part of Indiana. The last of 5 kids in a very catholic family. Religion never made sense to me. Even as a kid. Isaac made sense to me.

[@megavarenik8804]

there's many more like him. Everyone is just as bright. But not enough.

[@orlock5510]

​@@johnstinchcomb8156wonderful comment

[@orlock5510]

​@@megavarenik8804There is no one like him. Like minded fantastic people but none can compare.

[@MA-iridium]

Richard D. Heffner we need more interviewers like him nowadays!

[@nixl3518]

Actually as an interviewer he is an ignorant buffoon and this interview was a disaster.

[@koustubhsharma4963]

@@nixl3518 care to explain yourself?

[@ericdecker2914]

Any relation? Haha

[@matthewheath7839]

The interviewer is very good. Listens well, consise well-thought-out questions, very professional. He is the great facilitator

[@jtveg]

Brilliant. I've never heard Asimov speak before. This was a great interview.

[@fuckoffannoyingutube]

just happened to me as well. damn, how did I wait so long?

[@humbertoamorim8130]

Same here, even though I had read some of this books. This interview was pure class.

[@NKomarov]

Now watch one more interview, the time has come

[@justinludeman8424]

His wisdom, creativity, self-deprecating humour, and prescience will rarely be equalled I believe. An incredible person.

[@steveba50]

Good interviewer and a calm discussion..... respect for each others opinions right or wrong..... freedom of speech and thought . I hope we can evolve beyond violence, disrepect and trolls one day. A great example of what we should be

[@veganconservative1109]

Yes. Not one sign of wanting to 'cancel' the other; a willingness to listen and potentially disagree without screaming that the other shut up while searching for the closest 'safe space'. Truly it was a marvelous time where free thought and discussion was encouraged rather than feared.

[@thomasneal9291]

@@veganconservative1109 LOL you're projecting, while pretending that conservatism actually HAS anything to offer worth discussing any more.

[@johnwright3815]

I so agree.

[@AtrociousNightmare]

Extraordinary interview. Good, complex questions, no rivalry; this is what we need to progress together.

[@zendiumartwork2886]

isaac asimov was a true genius/polymath, this was a really great coversation from both asimov and the interviewer

[@peterjames3179]

Zendium

[@bobstrong7117]

Miss Asimov everyday.

[@daxxonjabiru428]

Right there with you.

[@Fordham1969]

This is taken from a PBS series called "The Open Mind".The interviewer is Richard Heffner(a university professor),he created the show back in the 1950's and remained it's host until his death about 5 years ago,after which his grandson took over.It's always been a show of the highest caliber and you can find complete episodes of it on KZbin.

[@NaYawkr]

yes, his mind was as excellent as his sense of fashion. What did he think those clown sideburns said about him?

[@duncanwallace7760]

I love the style to of the interview. Intelligent & challenging questions, followed by plenty of time for the person to answer without being constantly interrupted. It would be good if there was more of this in 2021!

[@elizdonovan5650]

Thank goodness I live in a time where I can turn on my tablet and listen to the rational words of the great Issac Asimov. What a pity all the politicians in the world cannot think like he does. What a gift to mankind he was and what a loss to mankind that he is no longer with us. A great thinker. ☘️🌝🌲

[@porkerpete7722]

Keep in mind politicians do what serves them and their people. Much like Asimov or anyone else in history.

[@davideasterling5262]

I worked as a Senior Scientist at McNeil Pharmacuetical in Pennsylvania and once heard him talk there after a dinner. I remember his great humorous love of limeriks. Had read most of his major Sci-Fi books as a teenager and I asked him after his talk about why we have not had any contact from other intelligent life in our galaxy. He replied that some people think intelligence might be self-limiting, that sufficiently advanced beings might invent something that would stop them completely. I know that he did not fear computers, robots and A.I. and his three laws of robotics would prevent them from ever harming humans. What a great intellect and a great human being. America and the entire world misses you Dr. Asimov.

[@danieljakubik3428]

The interviewer here is mature, patient and professional. Asking difficult questions and listening without interrupting.

[@kenthazara5477]

I’m 40, it’s 2021, I’m watching for my first time; this should be played in all schools. If we have to display in words our trust in it, then we should be able to handle hearing another perspective, like you’d expect to happen in SCHOOL.

[@jessstuart7495]

THIS is what television was made for. Not the modern reality-tv garbage, mind-numbing sitcoms, and dumbed-down sensational news.

[@Futuresolidsnake]

And they say we are currently living in “the Information Age”! It’s just plain depressing to know that we humans today carry all of the worlds knowledge and evidence in our pockets, yet most people would rather talk to imaginary people who live in the sky to make all their important decisions. It just seems completely ludicrous to me!

[@danie7kovacs]

Well, that's what you get if you let market market forces decide what is favorable.

[@nixl3518]

@@danie7kovacs Yes! The lowest common denominator is what TV is all about. That is the level of the population that watches TV anymore.

[@nixl3518]

@@Futuresolidsnake what are you some kind of prophet ? :-)

[@Futuresolidsnake]

@@nixl3518 That depends on the amount you wish to donate to the church? I might be persuaded to use my divine power if the denominations are high enough. 😉😁

[@TTTzzzz]

There should be a prize: the Isaac Asimov prize of Reason.

[@JR-ee4xf]

That's okay, but we do have the Richard Dawkins Prize.

[@Alien42x]

.

[@sidDkid87]

no one would win it ...

[@captainpharaoh]

@@sidDkid87 Not in today's world anyway. I'd consider Bill Nye or Neil DeGrasse Tyson among the few, but it's a shamefully small group.

[@sidDkid87]

@@captainpharaoh we could submit our names for the prize ; ),

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Listening to this conversation fills me with both joy and despair, the joy of a thoughtful, intellectual conversation and the despair that this is all but lost to America now. Given away cheaply for the false comfort of absolutism, populism, idolism and anti intellectualism. Also Issac shares a commonality with other science fiction writers of being lightyears ahead of his time not only in his own field but in many others too.

[@reessoft9416]

Well said, and this was before the likes of 9/11 conspiracy theories, COVID conspiracies and the ridiculous flat Earth nonsense. If Isaac was around now he'd be tearing his hair out at the beliefs being spouted on social media

[@observeoutofthebox7806]

@@reessoft9416 it really is everywhere through the very same technology science has achieved through. The issue with scientific advances is we are giving free platforms for more idiots to scream at. But at the same time internet is also abundance of knowledge and information. We truly never can make an ideal society.. there will always be a head to a tail. Is it a favourable balance ? No. But is it entirely changeable? no again. I mean Soviet union banned religion and anti intellectual way of thinking and ideolgies and focused on science and advancement but in the modern world they are evil enemies who fell. So in a world of blind the one eyed man becomes the freak.

[@gustavalbericchidurocher9764]

i actually think that elder media didn't knew the extent to which stupidity could be so sold. we would, as he did, think we are doomed if we were in the 80's or 90's and saw the kind of entertainment and information they were loving to have, but if the media understood that ideas as Qanon and flat earth would actually thrive among the population, i guess they would have had it all day on. the cheapest entertainment usually wins society, but who would guess the cheapest information would aswell?

[@jcoker423]

No just the Yanks, but the entire world. So climate change is real, covid is a dangerous disease, more blacks are killed by cops than whites, mohammendan terrorism is a threat..... sure we should debate these in a rational way, and not be closed down by cancel culture. This only leaves to conspiracy theories and people taking up the false comforts of absolutism.

[@taurtue]

@@gustavalbericchidurocher9764 I don't think a theory like Qanon could've flourished in the 80's. There's a fear that is, kind of paradoxically, caused by the abundance of information our modern society delivers every day. Qanon and other stuff like that is an irrational answer to those fears.

[@javiersalinas5642]

With a culture in severe decline, Asimov's wisdom shines brighter than ever.

[@Quatrioz]

Since man has been on earth for thousands of years we’ve never learned the fundamental law of rational thinking. Imagine a world we’re someone like Asimov would be president / prime minister. He said in this interview himself, Governments spend trillions of dollars on wars that they fear not fight.

[@vernacular1483]

This might be the most intelligent conversation I’ve ever heard.

[@gedsoft3793]

About rejection of rationality: "They'll go for the certainty even if it's wrong". Never truer than in covid times.

[@mcyalmulhim]

I paused in shock of how true this is for 5 minutes.

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

It's how Hitler came to power.

[@neologian1783]

So true....without any consideration of the fact that, unless it's true, it isn't certain. Which is only to say, they'll go for the illusion of certainty, even if it's wrong.

[@aarone9000]

Thankfully; President Biden took the bull by the horns and the virus is being controlled l!

[@rjung_ch]

He was way smarter in 1988 than most of the "tools" today. Too many people believe what they want to, not in any truth... What a great man indeed.

[@rjung_ch]

@@robbiddlecombe8392 I guess that's what religions have done to the people over thousands of years. We want to believe rather thank know....that's the end if it then, since beliefs are not enough to get us out of this mess.

[@tellmemoreplease9231]

@@robbiddlecombe8392 Damn, well said. I'm going to copy and paste that one.

[@Slb2453]

He was way smarter than them in 1945! Let alone 2023!

[@sevenhoursbehind2048]

I loved this conversation! Heffner wasn't aggressive about proving his point. He was just genuinely curious about what Isaac's truth was. He wanted to understand it from Isaac's perspective. This is the beautiful outcome of listening and asking questions without defensiveness.

[@eddieracket]

Asimov talked so much sense and everything he said then is just as, if sadly not more relevant today. I could listen to him all day long and feel comforted

[@Sandtauruspig]

A hidden gem. Very relevant in 2020. Thank you for this treasure.

[@deanronson6331]

The interviewer was Richard Heffner (August 5, 1925 - December 17, 2013). He was the creator and host of a public affairs television show first broadcast in 1956. He was a University Professor of Communications and Public Policy at Rutgers University and also taught an honors seminar at New York University . (Wiki)

[@MisterSplendy]

I cannot imagine nowadays a man like Mr. Heffner being successful on the degenerate and dumbed down mainstream media today.

[@deanronson6331]

@@MisterSplendy That means you're not watching the right channels. This interview was on PBS, and that media outlet is still alive and well, broadcasting all kinds of intellectually stimulating programs. CNN and MSNBC produce one-hour specials dealing with serious news events, employing all the tried and true journalistic tools of proper verification of sources and striving for factual accuracy as well as interviewing nationally renowned experts. On the other hand, channels like Fox News are propaganda outlets for the GOP and the worst kinds of right wing lies and conspiracy theories, often using as guests kooks, liars, and criminals. But, it's obvious why you like Heffner - because he's challenging Asimov's religious skepticism. Asimov was able to refute his lame challenges better than anyone. The weakness of Heffner's arguments is illustrated in his calling Asimov for saying "Heaven only knows..." - as if that contradicts his non-belief in "god" and is not just a figure of speech. Atheists use the word "god" all the time because it's part of the language, not because they are inadvertent believers.

[@shuddupeyaface]

Isn't it great listening to an intelligent person.

[@nizaradams7391]

Yes it is. And his use of English is impeccable. Not a word out of order! Calm and so collective.

[@observeoutofthebox7806]

Exactly

[@user-_A_nonymou_s_]

One of the most intelligent person who ever existed. He is very underrated

[@willo7734]

Yes, I forgot what that was like.

[@nixl3518]

Except that the experience gets ruined by the unintelligent one trying to keep up and failing miserably!

[@musicwelikemang]

Genius, genius, genius. We could really use this brilliance in 2020. Some outward thought and rationality would go a long way. RIP to a great man ahead of his time.

[@theStacyJames]

Mr. Heffner is an excellent interviewer and Asimov a worthy match. Very enjoyable interview

[@captpicard6894]

What brilliant interview, an interviewer who asks very intelligent and thought provoking questions then shuts up and lets the interviewee (Dr Asimov) answer without interruptions with great clarity, intelligence, and wisdom. Superb interview best I’ve seen for years.

[@mkaleborn]

My brain grew 3 sizes simply watching this interview. What a great dialogue. Asimov was dialled in to reason, logic and understanding the vagaries of human nature. And the interviewer posing reasonable challenges with real world examples instead of just tossing out straw men, a breath of fresh air.

The interviewer was fantastic - I could feel his intense attentiveness to every detail in what Asimov said, and some of Asimov's answers were so brilliant I have to wonder if the interview was scripted - if it's not, Asimov is a precise manifestation of the concept "thinking on your feet". Like Richard Stallman, Asimov tends to "speak in paragraphs" and I think when an interview works with that format you get a very clear picture of the ideas the interviewee wants to convey. I'm glad I came back here to watch this again today.

[@dashiellgillingham4579]

The obsession with logic you see in a lot of places this century is a part of what he is talking about. It is logical to believe in faeries and magic and psychics and devils and monsters and bloodletting and astrology. This is why logic lead us to believe in all these things during the medieval age. Good reason requires disbelief, a willingness not to buy anything unless it is disprovable and hasn't successfully been so even by people who have devoted their entire lives to that task.

[@dariusjavidan5609]

The exquisite art of interviewing was lost in the years that followed this exchange of thought. May it be rediscovered once again in not to distant a future.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Asimov, Sagan, Bronowski, Fry, Tyson, Hawking, Feynman, Kaku...so many great minds who have helped me become an academic.

[@raminybhatti5740]

Stephen Fry and Mike Tyson? 😅

[@jjbud3124]

@@raminybhatti5740 Neil DeGrasse-Tyson.

[@raminybhatti5740]

@@jjbud3124 That makes more sense.

[@flychomperfly]

Just saw your comment for the 1st time now... do you teach or do research? And, where? I like learning from those with good logic and ethics.

[@clauz8986]

Yes, a bad, really bad academic🤣... what is your field? Pseudoscience?

[@willzsportscards]

summary: There will always be stupid people, but we must do our best to rise above the morass and seek truth and seek it through the scientific method. RIP IA.

[@Skittenmeow]

And beware of the quality of the science we are using to shape policy and beliefs. So much junk science has been done to "muddy the waters" on issues like anthropogenic climate change, exact same M.O. as tobacco/ cancer relation. Anti-science interests are using "science" against the masses, it's become so politicised.

[@willzsportscards]

@@Skittenmeow yes, and the day to day aspects of science itself is so political. speaking from seeing my own friends climbing the ranks of academia/large biotech etc. It's no different than any other human endeavour on the micro level. Speaking on a macro level...at least with science, over time the truth wins out....but sometimes it takes way longer than it should.

[@vezrien]

If only Asimov could see the modern day internet. We went from people believing crazy things because they were clinging to the beliefs of their fathers, to people believing the Earth is flat because they want to feel special, or part of a community.

[@Dowlphin]

The psychological basics have always been the same. To a degree human society is basically still cavepeople, and what we call society or civilization is a wild jungle and a survival game.

[@PsychologicalApparition]

The Earth is both flat and spherical so we could argue amongst one another. It is a test, you see -> just like How we are supposed to identify one another as the SAME - from the SAME ORIGIN... but we are failing in that area, as well.

[@robertrozier2940]

What a brilliant man - and what an amazing interviewer. We need more of this in our lives, in our societies, today (2020)

[@TonyGonzales]

You live in the age of information, get off your ass and find it. Asimov would be gobsmacked.

[@robertrozier2940]

@@TonyGonzales - 😂😁👍🏻 - that is fair enough! You’re exactly right, and well said. He definitely would be gobsmacked at such a terrible comment lol. “I’m sorry Asimov! I’m on hunt as we speak!” - thanks man, I needed that 👍🏻

[@TonyGonzales]

@@robertrozier2940 Glad you took my comment in the spirit intended. There's a lot of people in despair over the time we live in but I think it's a gift! My best to you.

[@purplehz97]

Hard to find intelligent interviews like this anymore.

[@christianbohm6118]

Scary how relevant this is today.

[@mid7699]

Spread the word of science. We must now come up with new health technologies.

[@calebmauer1751]

Probably will always be relevant, but it does seem like rationality is having a rough time in the West right now.

[@MrVvulf]

“I have a foreboding of an America in my children's or grandchildren's time -- when the United States is a service and information economy; when nearly all the manufacturing industries have slipped away to other countries; when awesome technological powers are in the hands of a very few, and no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues; when the people have lost the ability to set their own agendas or knowledgeably question those in authority; when, clutching our crystals and nervously consulting our horoscopes, our critical faculties in decline, unable to distinguish between what feels good and what's true, we slide, almost without noticing, back into superstition and darkness..." - - Carl Sagan, excerpt from his book "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" 1995. Now you can be more properly scared.

[@randomgrinn]

Its only 32 years later. Humans have been this way for 2 million years. Everything is human psychology, and humans are still emotionally based, not logically based.

[@gilleswalther5964]

Being rational will always be relevant

[@matthewowen4219]

i got to speak with him in my early twenties at umass amherst he talked with myself and 2 friends for 15 - 20 minutes he was very gracious

[@BeenaKK]

Lucky you!!! I am just listening to him and feeling great!!!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

While in college in the late '70's a friend and I were circling the States on Amtrak attending scifi conventions. After a weekend convention in Philadelphia (in which Asimov was a guest speaker) we boarded a train to head north. Much to our surprise a row ahead and across the aisle we spied Asimov poring over a pile of papers. Thinking he might be reading an important scientific paper we strained our necks and laughed when we found he was working on a crossword puzzle in the paper! 🤣🤣🤣

[@2011littleguy]

The guy's been gone for decades and I'm STILL learning from him! The best part was when he says, "There is only one science. The whole world accepts that." I never thought of that and haven't heard anyone else say it. People can have different religions, customs, dress, etc. but when they do science, they ALL do it the same. I think it somewhat is the same with medicine. There an old adage that says, "When there is one cure that really works, everyone uses that one. When there is no effective cure, there are a thousand "cures" from a thousand different people.

[@observeoutofthebox7806]

True brother.

[@flychomperfly]

I also had never heard that one before...and like you, i felt it was the most profound. Nice comment. Thank you.

[@VaughanMcCue]

2011littleguy Homeopathy works too...if you grit your teeth, release the grip on your VisaCard, and believe with all your might, you will flush your kidneys as if you were drinking purified water.

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

@@observeoutofthebox7806 Actually true, but the whole World ? Certainly DOES NOT accept scientific truth !

[@imacyclepath440]

This man influenced me as a child. He introduced me to science fiction and the love of reading in general. It's not until today that I realize how much he influenced my worldview. And I thank him profusely. If I never picked up one of his books I would be a different person today.

[@PatIreland]

Ditto.

[@plaguedoctormasque8089]

Asimov was an Amazing man, I had the pleasure of meeting twice. RIP Dr. A. The world is the lesser without you.

[@Marcelcalil]

These 24 minutes were worth a whole documental series. My respects for both Asimov and the interviewer

[@DRsideburns]

one of the best interviews I've ever seen

[@Myndir]

Yes, I think that the interviewer was inspired by Asimov's optimism, realism, and rationality!

[@Myndir]

And sideburns.

[@CoreaKixx420]

WOW!! A rational speaking intellectual. A rare sighting... but this was one of the most enlightening, and refreshing interviews I have ever seen. Isaac speaks with such an easy manner in which everything he said here seems like common sense.

[@Keyboardje]

That's because it is.

[@aleksandersuur9475]

Thank you for posting this, its simply brilliant, without youtube I could never have heard this.

[@888jucu]

Never heard of this guy before but it''s a breath of fresh air to hear him speak so clearly about rational thinkng and avoiding superstitious BS 👍

[@rustyholt6619]

he was a math professor and wrote some mind blowing real science, science fiction , you should look him up

[@emjem99]

Never heard of Isaac Asimov? That blows my mind.

[@segura2112]

#J Lee He was a Golden Age scifi writer (the Golden Age was between the mid 30's though the mid 50's).

[@akeel_1701]

Isaac Asimov was one of the biggest names in Science Fiction - he was as highly regarded as Tolkein

[@freesk8]

He wrote over 200 books, and though he is best known for science fiction and science non-fiction, he wrote books on many subjects. There is an Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare! I grew up reading his sci-fi and his non-fiction science books. Asimov on Physics was cool! Loved the Foundation Series!

[@sarcasmo57]

Gosh the world has fallen apart since this was shot. Bring back rationalism.

[@Alistair]

@LeftRight not quite, modern Marxists hate rationality. There was a big thing recently where they were literally trying to think up pointless situations where 2 + 2 = 5. They love to start with conflicting assertions that make any logical outcome possible

[@willgilliam9053]

rationalism brings rapid change, why so many dislike it.

[@Mortum_Rex]

@@Alistair As opposed to the conservative nut jobs who are the paragons of rationality?

@@Alistair Shut the fuck up you pathetic ignorant prick.

[@joeanthony7759]

@@Alistair Those are the fake-lefties. They have no credibility

[@jerrymitchell77]

I attended one of those Star Log conventions back in the 80s and sat in on the conference with Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen and I think there were only about 10-12 people there. (Adam West was standing room only! Go figure) I couldn't believe it. That was up until then the best session ever.

[@gudemik5335]

That must have been some conference! What kind of person did Ray Bradbury seem to be?

[@QT5656]

Amazing. I was lucky enough to meet Ray Harryhausen at a q and a session in London in 2008. I found it incredible that there were still a few empty seats there. I imagine that Asimov, Bradbury, and Ray would've had a great on stage chemistry together.

[@jerrymitchell77]

The whole group was relaxed and friendly and having a good time. They laughed about greatness and said that it helped to have come along when they did. They answered all questions with humility and appreciation. I'm glad I got to see them. Mr. Bradbury said he would have met at the tavern across the street but he wasn't allowed to drink anymore. A cherished memory

[@QT5656]

@@jerrymitchell77 thanks for sharing ❤

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Thee Adam West from Family guy?

[@zatoichiable]

"the world spent half a trillion dollars every year just preparing for wars which they dont dare fight".... I love it !!

[@calebmauer1751]

We're caught in a Prisoner's Dilemma, no nation can trust that one of the other nations won't defect.

[@torgnyandersson403]

@@calebmauer1751 that's not the only reason though. There is immense wealth to be made for those that can tap inte to the tax money allocated to the military. Regardless if there is a enemy or not, weapons must be built for these people to make money. The solution? Invent an enemy if there is none. Sweet, right?

[@zatoichiable]

@in777sight there are more religioius people killed by religious terrorists than non religous... you should do some research about the true numbers ...

[@jacksmoke3731]

And today we spend trillions of dollars on wars that don't need to be fought

[@zatoichiable]

​@@jacksmoke3731 I 'm worried of an accidental war...

[@jaypearson2055]

The part about how grim and depressing children's fairytales are was so eye-opening. Those stories are absolutely horrible but as children we don't realize how dark they are and how many unfortunate but very real aspects of human life are large parts of the story.

[@Mtl-zf9om]

Elders are allowed to cause a permanent trauma to minors with their made up stories, but when a biology book shows a penis, and vagina hell breaks loose.

[@tmcg1907]

"The grimmer you make them, the more relief there is at the happy ending. Unfortunately, people are going to realize, that the grimness is true, the happy ending is false... Sheesh. Yeah. I think we're at that moment.

[@kasperchristensen8416]

1980: 100 million people watching the exact same show at the exact same time. 2020: 100 million people watching 100 million different videos on the internet at any given time 24/7. That's why people back then put a lot of effort and preparation into an interview like this one.

[@kasperchristensen8416]

@Rishi Jha Thank you! Am I available here? Absolutely, and I would _love_ to hear your thoughts about the phenomenon I'm trying to illustrate in my comment above :)

[@kasperchristensen8416]

@Rishi J I'm sorry to tell you that I haven't seen any of your replies :( I checked my email as well, but the only notifications I have received from KZbin are about the reply you just wrote and your first one.

[@libertinemercenary8421]

@@kasperchristensen8416 Hey are you still here. I am rishi. I would love to continue this discussion. Your original post was profound.

[@irvhh143]

In the movie Back to the future, the professor looks at a video camera and says 'this is a tv studio in a box. Now everyone has their own tv channel.

[@veenmr1]

Richard Heffner is the interviewer. Never heard of him before, very impressive.

[@nizaradams7391]

I think Isaac made him look good. He looked quite lost if you ask me!

[@revbilly666]

Thank you. I think he was very good as well.

[@wcbuerste7]

I was looking for this comment. Thanks!

[@jeffchan67]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Heffner

[@bobcrain5285]

Heffner’s magazine was a groundbreaker in the 1960’s.

[@Bartebodil]

What a treasure of an interview. I miss interviewers showing this amount of respect. No interruptions and good questions.

[@AnxiousFly]

I'm 30 and I grew up in Central Europe. I have been shaped by a school of mind similar to Asimov's thoughts, but he just tells it in such a clear way, I think this is the essence of what humanity has to pursue to endure in the future

[@davidhenderson5051]

Humanity in its current form is doomed... we gonna burn out hard and fast!

[@ricardocauthinrua3481]

32 years on and your still on point! And we are still failing :(

[@kenchristie9214]

Poor maths - it's 32 years on. Your maths is as bad as your grammar.

[@ricardocauthinrua3481]

@@kenchristie9214 haha, no fuck given mate! ;) x

[@AngelMalakim]

i think you mean 32 years

[@benjaminjiin8432]

"The whole world is sliding into the abyss and everybody is fighting with each other, who cares who is going to win when everyone is going to lose." wow, he speaks to the fools in Washington DC from 1988.

[@mid7699]

Spread the word of science. We must now come up with new health technologies.

[@codyheiner3636]

As a 10 year old kid reading Caves of Steel, never thought later on I would be able to actually watch this guy speak!

[@ericdecker2914]

Isn’t that AMAZIN’!

[@ArchlordZer0]

I never listened Isaac Asimov speak - only read his books, but wow, I never realized how much of our ideologies align, and how what he says is still relevant today.

[@jjbud3124]

I think that his SciFi books were probably somewhat responsible for that. They had a way about them that made you "think" and better understand.

[@kristalund6446]

"They'll go with certainty, even if it's wrong." So true.

[@ExistentialNights]

Broke Basic yes. That was so brilliant

[@Paul-ml4fk]

who is they, and which is it that they are certain about?

[@Paul-ml4fk]

​@Zeal! specify...we need particulars. You cant just go around shouting they, and then expect everyone to understand. Sure there are people who attempt to practice Christianity, but still hold on to superstitious beliefs, however there is no certainty about many things. Even light is a mystery in itself, and so is suffering. Why is it that Jesus, The Everlasting man, suffer on the cross and die for all of us? Why is it that Roman catholics, believe that God resurrected from the dead? This of course is a mystery in itself. The resurrection of Jesus is so unfathomable to think about but it really happened. The same person who they crucified and killed on the cross rose from the dead. Even thomas doubted that Jesus resurrected, and perhaps doubt is the beginning of belief. If you truly are a man of science, the deeper you go into it you will realize that just like the universe, we adhere to a set of natural laws, and that there is no such thing as chance creation. You are not a random creation, you are someone created out of intelligent design. Who then created you? You could say your parents. Who then created your parents? And so on and so forth...until you reach THE Creator. It is quite ironic how the same people who invoke science as a reason not to believe in Christianity are the same individuals who are also certain they hold the truth. Isnt it quite a leap of faith not to believe that God exists? In the same way that it is a leap of faith to believe in relativist thinking or to adhere to being a communist or to believe in other toxic ideologies.

[@mid7699]

Spread the word of science. We must now come up with new health technologies.

[@MusicGunn]

@@Paul-ml4fk "They" refers to you and all your religious brethren. You make the claim of Jesus , yet provide no reasonable evidence. You base your entire belief system on a 2000+ year old book that was written by people who still thought the earth was flat. You make claims you do not and can not back up. "THEY" is you.

[@alexgonzo5508]

"Who cares who's going to win when everyone's going to lose."

[@Venusbabe66]

So much prophetic insight back in 1988 and ever so more relevant in 2020.

[@erickgregoryful]

That stuck with me too.

[@abdulqadira.mohammed2415]

👌

[@Venusbabe66]

@in777sight Is this your synopsis for a fantasy novel? It may as well be because it's just made up stories.

[@alexgonzo5508]

@in777sight I should tell you that it's not wise to trust in promises made by someone you've never met before that lived thousands of years ago (even when you do know the person it's not always a good idea). What guarantees does one have? I should also mention that trust and confidence is a con-man's instrument of deception. Before one can be deceived one need first to trust the deceiver. Blind faith is a gamble, no better than rolling dice. Also you should look into the interesting but sad phenomena of "cargo cults", primitive tribes inventing beliefs about modern things they've seen but do not understand.

[@flovv4580]

“Human beings are poor examiners, subject to superstition, bias, prejudice, and a PROFOUND tendency to see what they want to see rather than what is really there.” ― M. Scott Peck

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Isaac would be appalled at what's going on in America nowadays. Absolutely appalled.

[@ReinoldFZ]

@Stephen Anthony If Asimov is there sure it would be a better place than here (btw, made me recall stories he wrote with the protagonist outsmarting the devil >:v)

[@ReinoldFZ]

@Stephen Anthony here eyeballs are burning by screens by thousands of apps and posts. Worms eating them would be a relief. hehe, you wrote "burning *alive*" I thought the idea of hell was about being dead x)

[@ReinoldFZ]

@Stephen Anthony It depends of the version of Christianity you follow (I know, I know, yours is the true one), some interpretations of the word "sheol" are related with just the tomb. Your hell is just a gymnasium without rest time, world is worse than what you imagine. Where I live Christianity is an imported religion; so I am not mocking you for belief in hell, just joking about your choice of words.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@Stephen Anthony There is no Hell mentioned in the bible (the one that we think of nowadays). Think there is? Read this: www.tentmaker.org/articles/ifhellisreal.htm This is from a Christian. The concept of Hell is not supported in either the Old or New Testaments. From the article: ******************************************************************************************************************************** Popular myth : Hell is an established Biblical doctrine that is in the Bible from start to finish. This is not true! Two thirds of the Bible (the Old Testament) does not mention Hell at all. ("Sheol," the Old Testament word that is sometimes translated as Hell, only means "grave" by definition, and it is where everyone in the Old Testament went when they died--good or evil, Jew or Gentile). Thus the Old Testament does not contain the concept of Hell! Think about it... If Hell is real, why didn't God make that warning plain right at the beginning of the Bible? God said the penalty for eating of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was death- -not "eternal life" in fire and brimstone. If Hell is real, why wasn't Cain warned about it, or Sodom and Gomorrah , or any of those who committed the earliest recorded "sins?" If Hell is real why didn't Moses warn about this fate in the Ten Commandments or the Mosaic Covenant consisting of over 600 laws, ordinances, and warnings? The Mosaic Law simply stated blessings and cursings in this lifetime. If Hell is real, why are its roots in paganism, rather than the Bible? Many nations surrounding Israel in the Old Testament believed in Hell-like punishment in the afterlife, for they served bloodthirsty and evil "gods," while Israel simply taught the grave (sheol) and a hope of a resurrection. If Hell is real, why was the revelation of it first given to pagan nations, instead of God's covenant people? Did God expect Israel to learn about the afterlife from the Pagan Gentiles? If so, why did He repeatedly warn Israel to not learn of their ways? If Hell is real, why did God tell the Jews that burning their children alive in the fire to the false god Molech, (in the valley of Gehenna ) was so detestable to Him? God said that such a thing "never even entered His mind" (Jer. 32:35). How could God say such a thing to Israel , if He has plans to burn alive a good majority of His own creation in a spiritual and eternal Gehenna of His own making? **FACT: The King James Bible erroneously translates the word "Sheol" as Hell a total of 31 times in the Old Testament, thus setting a foundation for that doctrine in the New Testament as well as the majority of Bible translations to follow the KJV. Even so, most new translations have completely eliminated Hell from the Old Testament, as honest and better scholarship has demanded. The Jewish version of the Old Testament (the Tanakh) has no concept of Hell in it. The importance of this fact cannot be over-emphasized. If a doctrine does not appear as seed form in the books of the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms, it cannot fairly be taught as a major biblical doctrine, if indeed it can be taught as biblical at all! ******************************************************************************************************************************** So not only is Hell not supported by atheists and agnostics, it's not even supported by the bible itself.

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

@Stephen Anthony appalled we can see. burning in hell.......go ahead, child, conjure up your demon images. and envision the heavenly choirs which will certainly welcome you . you apparently need cartoon imagery and bogus promises (and threats) to complete your picture of life. and death.....zzzzzz.....boring...childish.....superstitious.....primitive...useless

[@ShadowZZZ]

"Who cares who's going to win if everyone is going to loose?" -Isaac Asimov, A great rationalist and scientist among Carl Sagan, who sees the flaws in world politics

[@slpd7aslpd7a46]

Thank you VERY MUCH for this upload

[@weeb3856]

I am in absolute awe of Isaac’s notion on the fact that science fiction writers are the scouts sent out to survey the future. I think this is a brilliant comment on the relationship between literature and science and I feel like there are numerous connotations into quantum physics as well which are flying way over my head. What a brilliant, humble and well articulated man.

[@psyekl]

Isaac Asimov said essentially what I have about science and great power. My words: "Science splits the atom to see what happens. It is politics and religion that chooses to do so over a populated area."

[@noeld9910]

An interview done over 30 years ago and these issues are still as relevant today as the were then.

[@gertkoen2797]

"You are going to realise the grimness is true and the happy ending is false"

[@chewiewins]

Brexit?😝

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

the happy ending is very real for some and the grimness will be even more so for others , the evidence that demands a verdict proves it

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

@@ethanadamrose580 ok I wanted to give you the links but the hypocrite who runs this channel deleted it , I guess he is just in it for the money , no ethics , look for these names on youtube and watch a few of their presentations and soon a picture will start to form in your mind , keep following it but be aware there are false preachers out there too , always stick with the scripture James Tour Stephen Meyer Jason Lisle Gary Habermas John Lennox Trey Smith “Noah” and ” Theory of everything” Josh McDowell ” Evidence that demands a verdict” Dr Grady Mcmurtry J Warner Wallace Frank Turek Walter Veith ‘Rekindling the reformation” David Wood “why I became a Christian” John McArthur CS Lewis Mike Winger Dr. Kurt Wise

[@ralphhebgen7067]

Nice to hear this discussion. It is informative, respectful, and meant to explore the issues. Now, we live in times where this conversation would instil storms of self-righteous indignation by people “being offended”, an apology by the broadcaster, the sacking of the journalist, and the application of sensitivity reads to Isaac’s novels. 😢

[@elizondorj]

Thank you for sharing this interview. Asimov is a great hero of mine.