“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” —Isaac Asimov
Asimov
Limerick
The bustard's an elegant fowlWith minimum reason to howl.He escapes what would beIllegitimacyBy grace of a fortunate vowel. —from Asimov Laughs Again by Isaac Asimov, his second collection of jokes, limericks, and anecdotes. Note: When you purchase something after clicking Amazon links in my posts, I may earn a small commission. As of this date, … Continue reading Limerick
Meet the Fokkers
In 1971 Isaac Asimov published a book of jokes and limericks interspersed with additional anecdotes and suggestions for the best way to tell the jokes. It was called Isaac Asimov’s Treasury of Humor, and like many of the books that Asimov published, I scooped it right up. There was one joke in it that I found … Continue reading Meet the Fokkers
Isaac Wrote Letters
In an earlier post I mentioned that John W. Campbell, Jr. was an unabashed racist, sexist, and fascist, as well as a purveyor of pseudo-science. You don’t have to take my word for it, at least for the racist part. Here is a letter that Isaac Asimov wrote to him on 30 September 1963. It … Continue reading Isaac Wrote Letters
Because John W. Campbell Was a Racist, That’s Why!
Isaac Asimov always credited John W. Campbell, Jr., the editor of Astounding Stories, as an important influence on his writing. When Asimov was still a teenager, he submitted his early stories to Campbell, and although they were rejected, Campbell ended up giving Asimov some excellent advice and feedback—especially once Asimov realized that Campbell’s office was … Continue reading Because John W. Campbell Was a Racist, That’s Why!
Krugman Is Wrong!
Or at least premature. It’s well known that Paul Krugman was inspired to enter the field of economics by his youthful reading of Isaac Asimov’s great Foundation Trilogy. (Ironically Asimov confessed to not knowing anything about the “dismal science” of economics; he considered himself a cheerful person.) So like many of us who have long … Continue reading Krugman Is Wrong!