He is a man so important to science fiction that he has an award and magazine named after him. He is even credited with coining the term robot. He was a prolific writer in multiple dramas and was also a doctor of biochemistry.
I have not read all of Asimov's scifi. I have barely scratched the surface. I find the tales themselves are quite simple, but very enjoyable. A little known fact is that he died of AIDS after contracting HIV through a blood transfusion. I will end with a story that I heard about him during a screening of 2001. When the movie was finished Clarke asked Asimov what he thought, to which Asimov in anger stated that Hal didn't follow the three laws of robotics. I am not sure if it is true but it brings a smile to my face.
Hopefully they programmed the 3 laws into Watson.
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day 1 of the A to Z challenge, and I've already learned something new!
http://baygirl32.blogspot.com
Asimov is one of my favorites in science fiction. Glad to see him highlighted!
And, actually, "robot" is first used in Karl Capek's play "R.U.R." (1921)--although Asimov did coin the term "robotics" and establish the three laws.
Thanks for the cool facts! Good luck A2Z(ing)!
Interesting post...
I never knew that Asimov died of AIDS.
Such a pity.
:-)
Huh. Yeah I had no idea that was how he died. I must confess I've never been a big fan of his. He can be a bit dry for me. So are you going to do profiles of SF writers throughout the challenge?
I plan on doing a couple. You can look forward to Richard Matheson on R day for sure.
Oh Asimov. He was a sweet kid but hopelessly naieve about the way people would REALLY program a robot. What good is a metal killing machine if it can't kill? Then once you cross that line, even once, then it's SKYNET all over again.
I really do need to read some of his stuff. Thanks for bringing it up.
Teresa
http://icecoldpenguin.blogspot.com
love Asimov - I was introduced to him during my first marriage back in the ice age and he weathered well.
Jan Morrison
a favourite of mine in my youth I must brush the dust of gently and ip in again - thanks for reminder - he was a great influence
Asimov is one of the big three! The others being Clarke and Heinlein... Genius, all of them!
I used to try to read all of the books by a particular author if I liked them. I must have read 40 or so Asimov books before I realized that he had written at least a couple hundred of them. I stopped. His style wasn't the most exciting, but the things he wrote about sure were...
I can't believe I haven't read any of his stuff!!!! One day, when I have lots of time, I need to catch up on all the books I want to read. Starting with one if his!
Great person to highlight for day 1 of the Challenge. Love Asimov's comment about the three laws of robotics!
Hugs
Rach
I'd like to read his stuff someday... I never saw (nor wanted to see) the movie I, Robert... but I bet the book would be great.
I'm in awe of Asimov, even though I don't read much sci-fi.
Much love for Asimov. Too bad "I,Robot" wasn't given any sort of justice on screen.
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