Longest Long Game in History (Foundation, Part 3)

Galaxy!

40:22

There’s only so much you can do in a week – or, according to Oliver Burkeman, in the roughly 4,000 weeks the average human lives. Oliver is a journalist and author of the books Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Meditations for Mortals, and the newsletter “The Imperfectionist.” Chris and Oliver discuss the paradox of why change can only occur once we accept that we might not be able to change. Oliver also shares how life’s mishaps can become our most treasured memories and why sharing your imperfections is an act of generosity. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Want to help shape TED's shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

4 years ago 55:41

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On this episode, we discuss Part 3 of Foundation, "The Mayors". The story of Salvor Hardin reaches its climactic moment, as he manipulates the societal forces of the four kingdoms, and ensures that Anacreon will never again constitute a threat to the Foundation. We discuss religion as a source of societal power, how well that concept is handled in the book, and contemporary ways in which such power is used.

16 episodes

Longest Long Game in History (Foundation, Part 3)

Galaxy!

published 4 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Archived series ("Inactive feed" status)

When? This feed was archived on August 01, 2025 17:14 (1h ago). Last successful fetch was on October 16, 2023 14:29 (2y ago)

Why? Inactive feed status. Our servers were unable to retrieve a valid podcast feed for a sustained period.

16 episodes

All episodes

1
Special Episode: "The Measure of a Man" 56:22

4 years ago56:22

56:22

In between books, we've decided to take a moment and talk about one of our favorite episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation , "The Measure of a Man." Given all the conversations we have had about Asimovian robots and the question of robotic personhood, this episode of Star Trek is a great conversation piece to further examine those questions, with our beloved Data's future and agency on the line. Enjoy this episode, which also starts off with an important announcement.…

1
An Ending, Not a Conclusion (Foundation, Part 5) 1:08:31

4 years ago1:08:31

1:08:31

The conclusion to Foundation is a mixed bag for us. It is stronger than the previous part of the book, and yet it still feels a little removed from the flow and pacing that characterizes the book's first half. On this episode we talk about Part 5, "The Merchant Princes." We discuss the way in which the Foundation has changed since the days of Salvor Hardin, the application of the mystery genre to this reading selection, and some guesses as to where Asimov's narrative universe is heading from here.----more---- P.S. Apologies in advance for the audio issues that were encountered in this recording. At least it's an uncommon occurrence.…

1
Money for Nothing (Foundation, Part 4) 56:29

4 years ago56:29

56:29

While the Foundation is put on the map by bigshots like Salvor Hardin, it wouldn't get far without the efforts of the everyday Joes. In this case, that means the traders, who venture out beyond Foundation territory and introduce advanced technology, as a gateway to expanding the Foundation's sphere of influence. On this episode we discuss Part 4 of Foundation , "The Traders". We talk about money and trade as a source of power, as well as the way that seemingly everyone, at some point or another, resorts to a bending of the rules in order to get what they want.…

1
Longest Long Game in History (Foundation, Part 3) 55:41

4 years ago55:41

55:41

On this episode, we discuss Part 3 of Foundation , "The Mayors". The story of Salvor Hardin reaches its climactic moment, as he manipulates the societal forces of the four kingdoms, and ensures that Anacreon will never again constitute a threat to the Foundation. We discuss religion as a source of societal power, how well that concept is handled in the book, and contemporary ways in which such power is used.…

1
The Rise of Salvor Hardin (Foundation, Part 2) 55:54

5 years ago55:54

55:54

Desperate times call for desperate measures. As the Foundation faces its first major crisis, a power struggle will break out between those who are dedicated to the Encyclopedia, and a man who knows that it is time for the Foundation to grow up. But in his desire to lead the people of Terminus, how far will he go to achieve his goals? And how far is too far? Today, we talk about Part 2 of Foundation , "The Encyclopedists."…

1
A Delicate Moment in History (Foundation, Part 1) 1:00:32

5 years ago1:00:32

1:00:32

When you think Isaac Asimov, what book comes to mind most readily? For many, that would be Foundation . On this episode we begin our analysis of what has been considered one of THE quintessential science fiction novels, and has been an inspiration to countless readers and sci-fi creators. We talk about about Book 1, "The Psychohistorians," and we discuss the concept of Galactic Empire, the extent to which Psychohistory is realistic (or hopelessly doomed to fail), and how we respond to figures of authority and expertise when our interests are on the line.----more---- Also, we briefly discuss Cliodynamics and the far-out (or are they???) theories of Peter Turchin. Here is a link to an article from Nov 2020 (around when we recorded this episode) that talks about Turchin and his predictions of societal collapse: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/12/can-history-predict-future/616993/…

1
It's a Galaxy! Christmas ("Christmas on Ganymede") 39:38

5 years ago39:38

39:38

Can a podcast about Asimov's sci-fi swing a Christmas episode? You bet it can! We talk about Asimov's early story "Christmas on Ganymede," a corny, short and sweet Christmas misadventure. Based on the themes of the story, we talk about how Christmas can turn from a joy into a source of exhaustion, as well as how we handle the idea of Santa Claus with our kids. Also, stay tuned for a special announcement during this episode. AND WARNING: Do you listen to Galaxy! with your kids? And do your kids believe in Santa Clause? If so, you may want to give this a listen before they do.…

1
"Was Not All the Galaxy His?" (Pebble in the Sky, Part 2 of 2) 1:00:03

5 years ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Today we finish off our discussion of Pebble in the Sky . Asimov's first published volume of the Galactic Empire Trilogy offers a fascinating story of time unexpected time travel, and deals with themes like how we make big life transitions, and how we overcome prejudices and assumptions about others. In this episode, we talk particularly about how truly making a new place ones home involves developing a sense of responsibility, ownership, and care for that place. We also investigate the romance aspect of the book between the characters of Bel and Pola, and discuss its implications for how Asimov develops and uses his characters.…

1
No Place Like Home (Pebble in the Sky, Part 1 of 2) 53:03

5 years ago53:03

53:03

Pebble in the Sky is a fantastic example of how sci-fi examines important questions by moving them out of their normal context, so that they can be seen in a new light. In our first episode on this volume of the Galactic Empire Trilogy, we focus on themes like the struggles of the immigrant, the plight of the marginalized, and the ways in which value is ascribed to human life.----more----Also, be sure to check out the fine podcasts we are featuring in this episode's ad rolls: Star Wars Escape Pod: https://starwarsescapepod.podbean.com/ Firebreathing Kittens: http://www.firebreathingkittenspodcast.com…

1
Robot Wrap Up (Our First Live Episode!) 47:44

5 years ago47:44

47:44

We talked a lot about the individual stories from I, Robot . But what does the book, disjointed as it is, communicate as a whole. We share our final thoughts on the book before putting it to bed and moving on to the next one. We also share some of the social media responses we've gotten to the conversation starters we've put out there. Thanks to everyone who has been listening. This is our first live episode, and in it we take a little time to express our appreciation to everyone who has been listening from around the world (26 countries so far!)…

1
Asimov: Some Biographical Context 1:00:18

5 years ago1:00:18

1:00:18

As we begin to transition toward the next book in our Asimov journey, we wanted to take some time and talk a little about Asimov's life. Like how he grew up, what got him into science fiction, and a general look at how his career unfolded. By looking into this, we hope to add a little context to the books we are reading, by seeing how Asimov's life informs his ideas. ----more---- In case you're interested, here are some links to Asimov's autobiographies (yes he wrote more than one): In Memory Yet Green - https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Yet-Green-Autobiography-1920-1954/dp/038513679X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=in+memory+yet+green&qid=1602099034&sr=8-1 In Joy Still Felt - https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Still-Felt-Autobiography-1954-1978/dp/0385155441/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=In+joy+still+felt&qid=1602099126&sr=8-1 I, Asimov - https://www.amazon.com/I-Asimov-Memoir-Isaac/dp/055356997X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=I%2C+Asimov&qid=1602099185&sr=8-1 It's Been a Good Life - https://www.amazon.com/Been-Good-Life-Isaac-Asimov-ebook/dp/B002FU5OIQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=It%27s+been+a+good+life&qid=1602102731&sr=8-1…

1
Rise of the Machines! (I, Robot, chapters 7 thru 9) 1:02:41

5 years ago1:02:41

1:02:41

In the last section of I, Robot, which we cover in this episode, some tables start to turn. Robots seem to exercise much more control over people, whether individuals, or populations, or even the course of humanity. The question is, as we allow artificial intelligence to run more and more aspects of our lives, what is it of our humanity that we start to lose? Will we find ourselves, eventually, in a trap of our own making, with technology in the lead?…

1
Thinking, Feeling Entities (I, Robot, chapters 5 & 6) 56:17

5 years ago56:17

56:17

On this episode, we explore how Asimov's robots develop feelings, desires, and ambitions which can work against the well-being of the humans in their midst. What do the stories of Herbie and Nestor-10 say about our temptation to live in fantasy, or the resentment that we feel when undervalued by others? We analyze chapters 5 & 6 of I, Robot, "Liar!" and "Little Lost Robot," to bring you our thoughts on those questions.…

1
Jumpin' Jupiter, It's Greg and Mike! (I, Robot, chapters 2 thru 4) 1:01:09

5 years ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Any good technology needs a lot of troubleshooting before it's ready for the market. In the case of the robots we're discussing, that's where Greg Powell and Mike Donovan enter the picture. In this episode, we discuss this unlikely pair and the robots that they have to deal with. From Speedy to Cutie to Dave, we look at what makes them tick, how and why they break down, and the ways in which Asimov's robots speak to the human condition. We also take a good look at the three laws of robotics and discuss whether or not they are actually realistic.…

1
Robbie (I, Robot, Introduction and chapter 1) 59:30

5 years ago59:30

59:30

Our exploration of Asimov's Sci Fi novels begins with I, Robot. This is a fascinating book, woven together from several of Asimov's short stories, in which landmark ideas like the positronic brain and the three laws of robotics originate. On this episode, we discuss the first chapter, "Robbie," which tells the story of a little girl and her robot nursemaid. What are we to make of Robbie? Can a robot be an effective caretaker? What are the implications of this story for our children's relationship to technology. Join in the conversation with us!…

Galaxy!

1
Welcome to Galaxy! 20:45

5 years ago20:45