Saturday, March 06, 2010

The Gods Themselves - Asimov

This story is written in three parts. The first part tells us of a scientific discovery that provides free energy. It's based on swapping a common Earth element with something from a different universe. The alternate one has slightly different physical laws and the new matter serves as an energy source. Free energy has created a golden age. There is only one problem. The guy who discovered it is something of a jerk. This pushes a scientist to look for possible negative consequences.
The second part is the most interesting. It takes place within the different universe. The life forms there are totally and completely alien to ours. They come in three symbiotic genders (or something like that). Very well written.
The last bit is back on Earth. Or at least on the Moon. It focuses on a different scientist, still working on the theoretical consequences of this free energy. This part shows Lunar life and work towards a scientific breakthrough to fix things.
The title is taken from the phrase 'Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain'. Like most of Asimov's work I find it interesting but it doesn't do anything for me. It always comes off as rather bloodless and dry. The middle part is somewhat unique and deserves praise. But the novel also misses some of the cleverness of Asimov's other works (the robot novels especially). I can see why this is popular but it's not really to my taste.

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