Isaac Asimov
Early Life
Isaac Asimov was born on January 2, 1920, in Petrovichi, Russia. He was the son of Anna Rachel (Berman) Asimov and Judah Asimov, a family of Jewish millers. Although his birth date is uncertain, Asimov himself celebrated it on January 2. The family immigrated to the United States when he was three years old, and he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1928.
Education
Asimov was an exceptional student, graduating from high school at the age of 15 and enrolling at Columbia University. He initially studied chemistry, earning a B.S. in 1939, and an M.A. in 1941. He later earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1948. His doctoral dissertation was on the kinetics of the reaction inactivation of tyrosinase during its catalysis of the aerobic oxidation of catechol.
Writing Career
Asimov began his writing career at a young age. His first published work, a short story titled "Marooned off Vesta," appeared in the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories in 1939. He went on to write hundreds of short stories and novels, many of which are considered classics of the genre.
Asimov is perhaps best known for his Foundation and Robot series, both of which are cornerstones of science fiction literature. The Foundation series, which includes seven novels, is a sprawling epic that spans thousands of years and explores the rise and fall of a galactic empire. The Robot series, which includes four novels and numerous short stories, explores the ethical implications of robotics and artificial intelligence.
In addition to his science fiction works, Asimov was a prolific writer of popular science books. He wrote on a wide range of scientific topics, from biochemistry to astronomy, and his books were known for their clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Asimov continued to write prolifically. He also served as president of the American Humanist Association and was a longtime member of Mensa International, although he reportedly disliked the organization's elitism. He died on April 6, 1992, of heart and kidney failure. It was later revealed that his death was a result of complications from HIV, which he contracted during a blood transfusion in 1983.
Legacy
Asimov's influence on science fiction and popular science writing cannot be overstated. His works continue to be widely read and have been translated into many languages. They have also been adapted into numerous films, television series, and other media.
Asimov's ideas about robotics and artificial intelligence, in particular, have had a profound impact on the field. His "Three Laws of Robotics," first introduced in his 1942 short story "Runaround," have become a staple of science fiction and have influenced the development of real-world robotics research.
See Also
