Isaac Asimov Interview by Sy Bourgin – 1975
Isaac Asimov is interviewed by journalist Simon Bourgin. The discussion begins with the real world catching up to what science fiction writers described, sometimes correct and other times mistaken. Why does science fiction so often go to outer space for stories? How does real science impact science fiction? Asimov talks about being a writer and how he achieves his large output of about a book a month. Should a science fiction writer be an astronaut and what would that contribute? What are the three laws of robotics? Are these laws too optimistic and too humanistic? There are now academic studies of science fiction, is that to the benefit or detriment of the field? What draws readers to science fiction? How does science fiction compare to fantasy books? Does science fiction impact society? What does Asimov see as the future of the world? His answer is that it depends on how humanity deals with the present problems that threaten its survival. This is a face paced and rich interview.