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Exploration Quote by Isaac Asimov

“It is possible to be too stable. No Outer World has colonized a new planet in two and a half centuries.. are lives too long to risk and too comfortable to upset. “I don’t know about that, Dr. Fastolfe. You’ve come to Earth. You risk disease.” “Yes, I do. There are some of us, Mr. Baley, who feel…” quote by Isaac Asimov
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““It is possible to be too stable. No Outer World has colonized a new planet in two and a half centuries.. are lives too long to risk and too comfortable to upset. “I don’t know about that, Dr. Fastolfe. You’ve come to Earth. You risk disease.” “Yes, I do. There are some of us, Mr. Baley, who feel that the future of the human race is even worth the possible loss of an extended lifetime. Too few of us, I am sorry to say.” “In trying to introduce robots here on Earth, we’re doing our best to upset the balance of your City economy.” “You mean you’re creating a growing group of displaced and declassified men on purpose?” “Not out of cruelty or callousness, believe me. A group of displaced men, as you call them, are what we need to serve as a nucleus for colonization. Your ancient America was discovered by ships fitted out with men from the prisons. Don’t you see that the City’s womb has failed the displaced man. He has nothing to lose and worlds to gain by leaving Earth.””

Isaac Asimov

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The Stars, Like Dust” by Isaac Asimov, 1951

Stability can become stagnation; risk and discomfort may be necessary for progress and colonization.

In simple terms: Too much stability hinders growth; risk can lead to new opportunities.

Key Takeaway

Embrace calculated risk to drive advancement.

Themes

progress risk colonization stability humanity

Mood

thoughtful serious inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • space colonization
  • career change
  • social policy
  • urban planning
  • technological adoption

Key Concepts

existential risk social engineering technological advancement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks are worth taking for future generations?
  • How can we balance stability with innovation?
A Different Perspective

Risk can cause unintended harm and societal disruption.

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