Forward the Foundation
This story explores Hari Seldon's struggles with psychohistory, politics, and personal relationships as the Galactic Empire faces decline. Seldon navigates political intrigue involving figures like Joranum and Emperor Cleon while attempting to refine psychohistory to mitigate the Empire's fall. Family plays a crucial role, particularly his complex relationships with his wife Dors, his son Raych, and his gifted granddaughter Wanda. The narrative highlights growing instability within the Empire, alongside internal challenges to Seldon's work and the establishment of the Second Foundation. Raych is trying to find his own place in the Empire separate from his father’s work, and this tension is a main component of the book. The story concludes with Seldon setting the stage for the future, entrusting Wanda and Stettin with a critical mission, as he plans for the future of the Empire and those who need to take the next step.
It serves as a prequel, detailing the latter part of Hari Seldon’s life as he works on perfecting his theory of psychohistory and establishing the Foundation.
Historical Context and Character Focus:
The story is set against the backdrop of the crumbling Galactic Empire, which is a key theme in the Foundation series. The narrative focuses on the character of Hari Seldon, who is trying to develop psychohistory as a means of saving humanity. This is consistent with the overarching themes of the series, which explore the rise and fall of empires and the potential for scientific solutions to social and political crises. Eto Demerzel, the Emperor’s First Minister, is a major figure in the story, and his actions and motivations are examined through different interpretations. Demerzel's identity and role are central to the plot and introduce an element of intrigue, as the nature of his rule is debated by historians within the narrative. The relationship between Seldon and Demerzel is explored, adding complexity to their characters.
Psychohistory and its Challenges:
Psychohistory, the science that Seldon is trying to perfect, is presented as a secret project that cannot work if those it affects are aware of it. This highlights the ethical and practical challenges of implementing such a science. The story highlights the difficulty of Seldon's work with psychohistory; he does not have it all figured out. This sets up the long term process which the future Foundation will have to see through. Seldon relies on his intuition, as well as that of his assistant, Yugo Amaryl. Seldon depends heavily on Yugo for his brilliance but also plays the role of caution. Seldon also depends on Dors Venabili, with whom he can share his "wild thoughts," even if she does not understand them. Dors offers a new way of thinking about Demerzel and the Laws of Robotics. She points out that the Zeroth Law, which prioritizes humanity as a whole, has put Demerzel in the same bind as Seldon with psychohistory. The novel explores the challenges of applying psychohistory in a chaotic world and the balance between what is gained and what is lost in its application.
Political Intrigue and Conflict:
The political landscape of the Empire is unstable, with various factions vying for power. Laskin Joranum and his followers present a threat to the existing order. Seldon’s position at the University and his research are both tied to his relationship with Demerzel. Seldon’s actions and the implications of psychohistory are placed at the center of a complex political situation. Seldon's role in the fall of Joranum is revealed, and it is made clear that he is now ruling the empire.
The Human Element:
The story emphasizes that Seldon is not just a mathematician but also a human being. He struggles with his own emotions and contradictions. He is a mathematician, not a "sadistic twister". Seldon does not want to reveal his private self to others. Seldon does not want to show a side of himself that is a "sadistic twister".The story introduces new characters such as Raych, Seldon's foster son, who is also involved in the story's intrigue. Raych is caught between his attraction to Joranum's ideas and his loyalty to Seldon. Raych is shown to have been a fan of Jo-Jo Joranum. Seldon’s relationships with Dors and his protégés, Yugo and Raych, are explored in depth, showing that the project relies on more than just the singular genius of Seldon.
Foreshadowing and Series Connections:
The novel foreshadows the future events of the Foundation series, and it is understood that the Empire's fall is inevitable. The story sets the stage for the establishment of the Foundation, which is the central element of the series. The narrative includes discussions on the importance of preserving knowledge, a key motivation for establishing the Encyclopedia Galactica, a major plot point in the next book in the Foundation series, Foundation. There are multiple references to how Seldon's actions, even if not understood at the time, set up the future path of the Foundation. The book suggests Seldon sees the Foundation as the means of preserving the human species.
