How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A [Seldon]. By saving the knowledge of the race. The sum of human knowing is beyond any one man; any thousand men. With the destruction of our social fabric, science will be broken into a million pieces. […] But, if we now prepare a giant summary of all knowledge, it will never be lost. Coming generations will build on it, and will not have to rediscover it for themselves. (I.6.85)
In a way, a society is the accumulation of all the knowledge in that society. When the knowledge is lost, the society is lost too. Kind of how it's your computer when all your torrented music is on it, but when the data is deleted, it's just another computer. (Just kidding! We know you Shmoopers would never pirate content.)
Quote #2
"I shall not be alive half a decade hence," said Seldon, "and yet it is of overpowering concern to me. Call it idealism. Call it an identification of myself with that mystical generalization to which we refer by the term, 'humanity.'" (I.7.9)
Seldon's concern comes from his connection with society, not humanity. Even a barbarous society is still a part of humanity, so even though he says "humanity," he's really doing everything he can to prevent the loss of society.
Quote #3
"We are not part of the Prefect of Anacreon or of any other prefect. Memorize that! We are part of the Emperor's personal domain, and no one touches us. The Empire can protect its own." (II.1.21)
Societies are supposed to protect their people. That's part of what they're for. But what happens when societies are split? Now that can be a problem.
Quote #4
"A strange world! You have no peasantry?" […] Hardin replied casually, "No—nor nobility." (II.2.10-11)
Different strokes for different folks. The Foundation is egalitarian, meaning everyone plays on the same field (basically). In Anacreon, some are on top and some are on the bottom. Oh, and one produces technology and peace; the other, barbarism and war. Which one would you pick?
Quote #5
Hardin broke in: "Not at all. [Haut Rodric]'s merely the product of his environment. He doesn't understand much except that 'I have a gun and you haven't.'" (II.2.87)
Different societies also create different types of people. Anacreon promotes war as a grand, socially acceptable way to pass the time. So, their people turn to violence more than others. It's not exactly rocket science (mostly because it's social science).
Quote #6
There was no doubt that [Sermak's] remarks were the reflection of a pretty huge segment of the population, pretty huge. (III.1.52)
Societies tend to get the politicians they deserve. So, when Hardin has to deal with Sermak and his policies, he also has to consider that he's dealing with the population in general. Yeah, C-SPAN becomes a little more interesting when you consider that. Not much more interesting, mind you, but a little.
Quote #7
"[...] you are king by divine right—and are semi-divine yourself. Very handy. It eliminates all possibilities of revolts and insures absolute obedience in everything." (III.3.74)
It's good to be the King (but maybe not so good to be a subject). This is a difference between Anacreon and the Foundation: the Foundation's leaders need to consider the population when making a decision. Yay, democracy! On Anacreon, it's the population that has to consider Lepold.
Quote #8
Hardin looked up coolly. "Order them yourself, Wienis, and see who is playing with forces too great for whom. Right now, there's not a wheel turning in Anacreon. There's not a light burning, except in the temples. There's not a drop of water running, expect in the temples. […] If you don't like it, Wienis, you can order the priests back to their jobs. I don't wish to." (III.6.86)
Hm, maybe the King should listen a little more. The King maybe divinely ordained by God, but he isn't God. He still needs electricity.
Quote #9
"My people will not take commerce which carries with it a compulsory religion." (V.5.14)
Different societies have different rules, so what works for one society won't work for another. Mallow can't trade with Korell because they won't accept the Foundation's religion. Lucky for Mallow, he's smart enough to figure out a workaround.