Isaac Asimov fans
PsychoticDan
24-03-2006, 23:12
An obscure speech he gave about the future of humanity in 1974. If you're a fan you might find this interesting. He does mention Peak Oil, BTW.
http://www.pluto.no/litteratur/free_txt/pdf/Asimov_Isaac/The_Future_of_Humanity.pdf
Franberry
24-03-2006, 23:15
waaaaaaaay too long
I read "I, Robot" (Does that count for this thread)
Infinite Revolution
24-03-2006, 23:15
An obscure speech he gave about the future of humanity in 1974. If you're a fan you might find this interesting. He does mention Peak Oil, BTW.
http://www.pluto.no/litteratur/free_txt/pdf/Asimov_Isaac/The_Future_of_Humanity.pdf
i'm a huge asimov fan - but not as huge as that document is - will search the thread out again when i finish work and read it then :)
It's a legitimate and logical point; even if the amounts themselves were not "finite" in the sense that production will decline, it is certain that there is a limit to how much can possibly be produced at any time.
That has even more interesting implications than the concept of production declining, since it is impossible to argue against there being a limit to the amount that can exist at any time. The importance of this is that no matter what, we will have to find alternatives to cover demand regardless of any shortfalls in oil production below their maximum rate.
Thriceaddict
24-03-2006, 23:18
Damn you! :upyours:
Now I have to download Adobe reader.
Franberry
24-03-2006, 23:22
Damn you! :upyours:
Now I have to download Adobe reader.
No need for the middle finger
Airlandia
24-03-2006, 23:22
*shrugs*
That Asimov was a Doomday Cultist in the 70s was never any secret. I'll check the speech but I doubt it says anything he hadn't already wrote in F&SF. The thing to remember is this: A lot of predictions made by both him and some of the other ZPGers of the day just did not pan out. And a lot of things have changed since the 32 years ago that he gave it.
But it might be fun to fisk him sometime so thanks for the link! ;)
Edit: OK, I was right. Pretty much everything I remember from his other works when it came to the ZPG Doomsday crud. :headbang: That said, one of the example of the way things change is that the development of nanaotech means that the building of a spaceship in the backyard may soon be possible so it looks like his story is viable again. I'd like to think he'd be pleased. :)
Thriceaddict
24-03-2006, 23:23
No need for the middle finger
*shrug*
Thought it made for a good finishing touch.
PsychoticDan
24-03-2006, 23:29
well, Imma 'bout half way through and he already said the earth is going to continue to get colder and colder...
Still a good speaker, though...:rolleyes: