Isaac Asimov - Forward The Foundation

"Forward the Foundation," published posthumously in 1993, is one of Isaac Asimov's final works and serves as a prequel to his acclaimed "Foundation" series. The novel intricately follows the later years of Hari Seldon, the brilliant mathematician who develops psychohistory, a revolutionary discipline that combines mathematics, sociology, and history to predict the future on a large scale. Seldon, grappling with the inevitable decline of the Galactic Empire, strives to perfect his theories and establish the Foundation—a repository of knowledge meant to mitigate the coming dark age and shorten the period of chaos. Throughout the narrative, Seldon faces significant personal and political challenges, dealing with the complexities of power, the machinations of political intrigue, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in his work. Asimov weaves a compelling story that not only explores the scientific and intellectual endeavors of Seldon but also delves deeply into the human aspects of his mission, portraying the toll it takes on his personal relationships and the sacrifices he must make for the greater good.