How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A. It is a prediction which is made by mathematics. I pass no moral judgment. Personally, I regret the prospect. (I.6.75)
Science requires Seldon provide people the facts without emotional attachment. It's the only way they can make rational decisions with that information. Then again, it's really hard to be rational when the facts detail the end of civilization—and people get a little suspicious of the all-logic approach.
Quote #2
There was a pause and Pirenne tried again. "This whole discussion is wide of the point. Terminus is not a planet, but a scientific foundation preparing a great encyclopedia. Space, man, have you no respect for science?"
"Encyclopedias don't win wars." (II.2.74-75)
Science requires us to verify facts so we can make rational decisions. An encyclopedia helps by being loaded with, you know, facts. And guess what? Maybe that encyclopedia will keep you from needing to fight in the first place.
Quote #3
"What kind of science is it to be stuck out here for centuries classifying the work of scientists of the last millennium? Have you ever thought of working onward, extending their knowledge and improving upon it?" (II.3.37)
The Encyclopedists think facts are something to collect, like action figures, stamps, or caricatures of celebrities eating hot dogs (just us?). Hardin, however, knows facts are meant to help people make decisions to improve science, economics, and civilization in general. Use 'em or lose 'em, we guess.
Quote #4
"I wigh them against each othah—balance the disagweements—analyze the conflicting statements—decide which is pwobably cowwect—and come to a conclusion. That is the scientific method." (II.4.40)
Yeah, those aren't typos. Lord Dorwin just talks like that, but we'll forgive him (and Asimov). Worse, he doesn't know the scientific method. You're supposed to test the theories of others by testing their evidence and experiencing those theories yourself. That's the scientific method.
Quote #5
"Lord Dorwin thought the way to be a good archaeologist was to read all the books on the subject—written by men who were dead for centuries. He thought that the way to solve archaeological puzzles was to weigh the opposing authorities. And Pirenne listened and made no objections. Don't you see that there's something wrong with that?" (II.5.73)
Yes, Hardin, yes we do. As long as these men don't go out and do anything with the information they're receiving, things will never change. And change is good. Change gave us the Internet, antibiotics, and Christmas lights that don't die when only one bulb burns out. Would you want to go back to those days?
Quote #6
"I believe that my views reflect those of the majority of voters of Terminus. Does that suit you?"
"Well, a statement like that is all the better for proof […]." (III.1.33)
Is there a statement that isn't better with proof backing it up? Eh, maybe a statement like, "Pie is delicious." But that's only because we've already done the research.
Quote #7
"True, but we have trained them. Their knowledge of their tools is purely empirical; and they have a firm belief in the mummery that surrounds them." (III.1.70)
This quote is a little tricky. On the one hand, the priests have been trained in scientific tools empirically (through experimentation). On the other hand, their training has not permitted them to look at the mummery (in this case, religious ceremony) with questioning eyes. So, has their training done them any good? We'll let you take a go at that one.
Quote #8
"Do you suppose [King Lepold] has to accuse us of aggression and pull out all the stops on cheap emotionalism? When the time comes to strike, Lepold gives the order and the people fight. Just like that. That's the damnedness of the system. You don't question a god." (III.4.45)
Here's a nice little quote suggesting exactly why the novel values reason as it does: it helps people from giving over to their emotions and allows them to see that Lepold isn't a god but a man. (Historically speaking, that man-demigod confusion happened more often than anyone should feel comfortable with.)
Quote #9
"It is unscientific to suppose meaningless cases." (V.12.11)
That may just be true, but the tech-man here doesn't quite understand the concept of "meaningless." He says his nuclear reactors will last for eternity and never break down—so asking what will happen if it does is "meaningless." But scientifically speaking, eternity is, well, eternity. And given enough time, anything becomes possible. Especially the failure of rapidly aging technology.
Quote #10
"Now any dogma, primarily based on faith and emotionalism, is a dangerous weapon to use on others, since it is almost impossible to guarantee that the weapon will never be turned on the user." (V.13.70)
Here's another reason to favor rational thinking over emotion: you can rally a crowd based on its hate or other ugly emotion, but you'd better hope they never turn against you. Either that, or you'd better be able to run really, really fast.