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Theories Definition Essay Example for Free

Hypotheses Definition Essay This exposition talks about hypothesis in a general point of view and some related ideas supporting it. Kuhn is likewise introduced for instance of an elective scholar. Hypotheses, as per Littlejohn (1992) are deliberations or systems for theorizing, deciphering, speculating, understanding, assessing, supporting, clarifying or foreseeing multifaceted nature of marvels, occasions, thoughts, numerical or coherent conversations, human relations, and correspondence through perception and basic reasoning. The essential components of hypotheses are (1) ideas, which are typically arranged, and (2) clarification, which distinguishes designs in the connections among factors and can be easygoing or reasonable. Hypothesis, in a conventional point of view, depends on the reason of â€Å"knowledge as discovery†. It is demonstrated on the exploratory characteristic sciences through hypothetico-deductive technique that incorporates four procedures: (1) creating questions, (2) shaping theories, (3) testing the speculations, and (4) figuring hypothesis. This technique should be possible through factor investigation and it depends on the ideas of speculation, operationism, control and control, covering laws, and expectation. Littlejohn refers to Robyn Penman in portraying elective worldview through the accompanying five fundamentals: (1) Action is willful. (2) Knowledge is made socially. (3) Theories are recorded. (4) Theories influence the truth they are covering. (5) Theories are esteem loaded. The idea of metatheory is utilized in talking about the reactions of crafted by Kuhn since it portrays and clarifies the likenesses and contrasts among hypotheses. The pundits of Kuhn have likewise their own arrangement of thoughts or hypotheses in clarifying why Kuhn’s thoughts are not acknowledged. Metatheory issues are assembled into three Major subjects †epistemology (inquiries of information), philosophy (inquiries of presence), and axiology (inquiries of significant worth). Thomas Samuel Kuhn (1992-1996), an American characteristic researcher and contemporary thinker who contributed in the advancement of science standards, has contributed much in the historical backdrop of and issues on science, culture, and arrangement in the scholarly, political, and business fields. Kuhn’s SSR gives his contradictory perspectives in the way of thinking of science wherein, as Imre Lakatos and Paul Feyerabend, Kuhn stressed the job and nature of â€Å"rationality† in the procedures of science. Kuhn fights that â€Å"science works as a social structure as opposed to as a generic substance progressing toward epistemological commitment† (Mackie, 1998, p. 25). He negates the idea of legitimate positivism which expresses that researchers pick between contending hypotheses in an absolutely discerning manner (Philosophy of Science, 2004). Like William Whewell, Kuhn denies the excessively deliberate way to deal with science or the logical strategy as the system for request (Prosise, Miller, Mills, 1996; Mackie, 1998; Roberts, 2000; Nickles, 2003). In SSR, Kuhn introduced issues on the idea of and the job of network in logical turn of events. Subsequently, worldview relies upon the network to which a specialist has a place (Roberts, 2000). He deciphers the historical backdrop of science dependent on the improvement of â€Å"paradigms,† which are basic hypotheses as well as â€Å"accepted instances of genuine logical practice [that] give models from which spring specific intelligent customs of logical research† (Kuhn 1970, 4, 10). Ideal models give new data about the world and people’s conduct (Swirski, 1996; Mackie, 1998; Roberts, 2000). Kuhn contends that logical idea propels through mentally brutal insurgencies (Copulos, 2001). This attests Kuhn’s proclamation the development of science is described by exchanging times of â€Å"normal† and â€Å"revolutionary† logical action, with the times of ordinary science being unquestionably increasingly normal (Mackie, 1998, p. 27). For example, a change in perspective can be found in the act of medication since elective medication has been found to be additionally a promising method of treating ailments yet it stays a debate (Copulos, 2001). Apparently the worldview can't be completely evolved and assessed exclusively in a sound way dependent on the confirmation of realities. This methodology impacts on the way of thinking of science since it is acknowledged that a worldview turns into an essential to â€Å"understanding why progressive science happens and why times of ordinary science persist† (Mackie, 1998, p. 28). Kuhn is censured in his vision of logical transformation which was viewed as insulted for its apparently uncertain verifiable viewpoint; his portrayal of ordinary science since it certainly reclassified logical action; and his vague use of the term â€Å"paradigm† in various manners (Mackie, 1998). In particular, Israel Scheffler (1967) contended that Kuhn is an extreme irrationalist, subjectivist, irrealist, and relativist since he denies that science gives the premise to target truth about reality at the perceptual-exceptional level. Nickles (2003) includes that: â€Å"†¦Kuhn as a chief wellspring of postmodern relativism and of culture-hypothetical medications of science generally†¦Other pundits see Kuhn as mentally moderate in significant manners. ..Kuhn varied fairly little from the legitimate positivists on critical issues, particularly suppositions about language and significance. †¦Kuhns work is likewise politically preservationist and elitist, to such an extent that, attributable to its incredible impact, it has annihilated any endeavor to build up an increasingly vote based science arrangement for the predictable future† (p. 3). In spite of the reactions he got, Kuhn had the option to safeguard his speculations by characterizing his terms all the more cautiously. His second version of SSR (1970) made corrections and utilized â€Å"disciplinary matrix† to fill in for â€Å"paradigm† (Mackie, 1998). In the third release of SSR, Kuhn precluded the allegation from securing relativism and he further explained his perspectives to maintain a strategic distance from distortion (Dyson, 1999). The progressions made by Kuhn in SSR shows improvement from uncertainty to a more clear clarification. As Littlejohn (1992) notes, speculations are continually developing and they should be aced. As an option worldview scholar, Kuhn did the procedure of â€Å"fine-tuning interpretive structure for understanding the progression of events† (p. 25). Despite the fact that Kuhn was reprimanded for his speculations in his SSR, it is irrefutable that his hypotheses assumed critical job in depicting, in spite of the fact that not precisely, the improvement of science standards. Kuhn’s hypothesis concentrated on reasonable appraisal of thoughts and it suits trains outside ordinary science since it is superfluous to theory of science yet is huge in the investigation of human conduct. References â€Å"Philosophy of Science.† (2004). The Columbia Encyclopedia, sixth version. New York: Columbia University Press. Dyson, F. (1999). The Sun, the Genome, and the Internet: Tools of Scientific Revolutions. Oxford University Press, Inc.. Kuhn, T. S. (1970). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 2d ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Littlejohn, S. (1992). Part 2: Theory during the time spent request, Theories of Human Communication. Wadsworth Publishing Co, 25. Mackie, C. D. (1998). Consecrating Economic Theory: How Theories and Ideas Are Selected in Economics. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe. Milton R. Copulos, (November 12, 2001). A Shift in Thinking about Medicine. Understanding on the News 17(42), 46. Nickles, T. (ed.) (2003). Thomas Kuhn. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. Prosise, T. O., Miller, Greg R., Mills, Jordan P. (1996). Contention Fields as Arenas of Discursive Struggle: Argument Fields and Pierre Bourdieus Theory of Social Practice. Argumentation and Advocacy 32(3), 111+. Roberts, L. J. (2000). Thomas Kuhns the Structure of Scientific Revolutions. And so forth.: A Review of General Semantics, 57(1), 59. Swirski, P. (1996). Game Theory in the Third Pentagon: A Study in Strategy and Rationality. Analysis 38(2), 303+.

How to Improve Your Body Language to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

How to Improve Your Body Language to Become a Successful Entrepreneur Have you ever thought about why they say that ‘actions speak louder than words’? Have you ever felt that people tend to listen attentively to some individuals because of the persona they exude while others barely ever pay attention to what is being said?That is the magic of having the right body language and the most influential people in the world practice extensively to perfect their body language in order to look and sound more persuasive in everything they do and say. © Shutterstock.com | pathdocIn this article, we start with 1) an introduction to body language, and then continue exploring 2) types of body language, 3) truths about body language, and 4) the right body language to become a successful entrepreneur.INTRODUCTION TO BODY LANGUAGENow the question arises, what exactly is body language? Body language is a nonverbal form of communication in which feelings and attitudes of an individual are communicated by conscious and unconscious postures and movements. When it comes to body language, it works both ways. You get to know what the other person is feeling while the other person gets a chance to analyze your attitude and feelings during a particular situation.A more technical term used for body language is Kinesics taken from the Greek word ‘Kinesis’, meaning motion. Now we often think that body language is about how we move and hold our bodies, but that is far from true. Body language potentially, but not always, includes:The position o f the body;Proxemics or the closeness to and the space between two individuals;Facial expressions;Focus and movements of the eyes;How people touch themselves and others around them;Less noticeable physical effects like heartbeat, breathing, perspiration, etc.;How a person connects with other tangible items like spectacles, glasses, cigarettes, etc.However, body language does not encompass the pitch, intonation, variation, pauses, or volume of an individual’s voice. This is because the voice is considered a verbal form of communication and has nothing to do with kinesics.TYPES OF BODY LANGUAGEHere are various types of body language that indicate different attitudes and feelings of an individual when studied closely. There is an interesting infographic you might find interesting.FaceAnalyzing facial expressions is one of the most important aspects of reading body language. When we are happy or content, we smile; when we are sad, we frown, and it is just as simple as that. But a lot more goes into picking up non-verbal cues that may show whether a person is happy, sad, angry, surprised, disgusted, scared, confused, excited or smitten.Facial expressions are also considered to be one of the most universal forms of body language as suggested by researcher Paul Eckman. According to him, facial expressions that show happiness, anger, sadness, confusion and surprise remain consistent regardless of what culture or ethnicity one belongs to.Our eyes are often known as the windows to the soul because they are capable of revealing a great deal of unsaid or hidden feelings or expressions; giving you an idea as to how the person is feeling exactly at that moment in time. For instance, if someone gazes into your eyes directly when having a conversation, it is safe to say that the individual is keen on hearing what you have to say.However, prolonged eye contact can become disturbing as it may make the other person feel uncomfortable or uneasy. On the other hand, if a person t ends to look away from you frequently during a conversation, it is usually because they are not paying attention to what is being said by you or trying to hide their true feelings.Now something as trivial as blinking can tell whether a person is trying to keep a poker face or feeling uncomfortable. One often tends to blink incessantly when they are feeling shy, uncomfortable or uneasy about something, but at the same time, if someone blinks quite infrequently, it often means that they are trying to hide something.Perhaps one of the most subtle clues that the eyes provide is through the pupils. There are times when the pupils may dilate further. This can indicate a wide range of emotions, but it is usually linked with love, flirtation, and attraction.Mouth movements and expressions are also essential when it comes to reading body language. For instance, chewing on the lower lip usually indicates that a person is insecure, worried or scared. When evaluating mouth expressions, pay atte ntion to these cues.Distaste, distrust, and disapproval is usually conveyed by pursed lips.When a person is worried, anxious or stressed, he or she is more likely to bite his or her lips incessantly.The position of the mouth can also indicate one’s true feelings. The mouth will be curved upwards when one is happy and optimistic and downwards if one is sad or has a difference in opinion.BodyWe all try to mask our emotions sometimes but your body, especially your arms and legs, can give away exactly how you are feeling. Keeping your arms crossed when interacting with someone is a sign of defensiveness, while keeping the arms close to the body indicates the need to minimize oneself or divert attention.There are many subtle signals that indicate your mood and feelings, but here are some signs that are hard to ignore and easy to read.Crossed arms usually show that the person is self-protective, defensive or shut off.Placing your hands on the hips while standing has a much more positive connotation. It shows that you are in control, but at the same time it can also be misinterpreted as a sign of possible aggressiveness.People usually clasp their hands behind their back or rapidly tap their fingers or keep fidgeting when they are feeling bored, angry or anxious.Crossed legs when sitting is a universal hint that a person is in need or privacy or feeling emotionally shut off.The posture of the body can also convey a wealth of information about a person’s personality or how they are feeling. You can read whether a person is timid, submissive, open or confident just by studying the posture of their body. When you sit up straight, it means that you are aware of what is going on and paying attention but you may come off as bored and indifferent if you are sitting with your shoulders slumped forward.The main signals you must be on the lookout for when evaluating the posture of a person are:Keeping the trunk of the body opened means you have an open posture. People with an open posture are usually friendly, willing and open minded.Hunching forward and keeping your arms and legs crossed shows a closed posture. Having a closed posture is usually a sign of anxiety, unfriendliness, and hostility.Hands GesturesHand gestures can be regarded as the most obvious and direct body language signals since most of them are made deliberately. Some gestures are universal while others have purely cultural roots. For instance, thumbs up or a peace sign may possess a wildly different connotation in countries other than the US.Here are some common hand gestures that are known to indicate distinct body language signals as to how one is feeling.A clenched fist is usually a sign of solidarity or anger.Approval and disapproval are usually shown by thumbs up and thumbs down signs.Touching the thumb with the index finger is usually taken as a sign that indicates everything is a-okay.The V sign usually indicates peace or victory but in the UK and Australia, this gesture is considered quite offensive.ProxemicsProxemics is the term used for describing the distance between two people during an interaction. Proxemics is further divided into four different levels of social distance by Hall.The intimate distance ranges from 6 â€" 18 inches and often signifies a close bond between the individuals. Intimate distance occurs during close contact like touching, whispering and hugging.Ranging from 1.5 â€" 4 ft, personal distance is a social level distance that takes place among close friends or family members. The closer one stands while interacting comfortably with another person, the more intimate the relationship.Social distance occurs with acquaintances and individuals whom you know well enough to strike up a casual conversation. Social distance ranges from 4 â€" 12 ft and often indicates that you know the other person fairly well.Between 12 â€" 25 feet, public distance usually occurs at a larger level when addressing a class of students or giving a presentat ion at work or making a speech at a function. It is also interesting to note that public distance varies greatly from one culture to another. In Latin countries, people feel more comfortable standing close to one another while people from North America tend to maintain a significant distance.TRUTHS ABOUT BODY LANGUAGEThere are many misconceptions related to body language that have sprung up ever since detective TV shows started showing how body language can be used to weed out the culprits. But we have cleared the decks here and separated the hard facts from fiction.1) Experts Are Usually Wrong About Key Body Language IndicatorsWe often hear experts say that specific hand gestures usually have a hidden meaning, but that is far from true. In reality, hand gestures are considered ambiguous and can signify a lot of different things. For instance, you may cross your arms because you are feeling defensive or because you are feeling cold.Also, you may be tired, and you are crossing your a rms to feel more comfortable. It is possible to feel so many things and all at once, which is why reading hand gestures is not useful most of the time.2) It’s Hard to Understand Body Language by Reading the FaceReading the face does not prove to be effective most of the time because by the time we become adults, we learn to hide our true feelings as they show up on our face to get along at work, school, etc. We all pretend to smile, laugh or feign interest from time to time to get away with things, which is why it becomes hard for experts to tell if an individual is pretending to smile or is genuinely happy.3) Facial Expressions Count a Lot, at TimesMicro expressions are often considered sudden leakages of true feelings that can help one understand how the person is truly feeling. Although it is possible to hide micro expressions through proper training, most of us do not do a good job at masking these little giveaways. However, these micro expressions are always fleeting; meaning they show up like lighting in the dark for a second and fade away soon before we begin to analyze them.4) Body Language Signals Intent, Not Specific MeaningWe often make the mistake of thinking that studying body language can give you solid answers about the individual’s attitudes and feelings, but that is not particularly true. Experts believe that body language can tell a lot accurately as far as the emotional intent is concerned, but the same is not the case if you are looking for specific meanings.This is because brain research shows that the first true signs of what we are often feeling manifest in our bodies before humans can actually process what they are feeling. For instance, you may clench your fists in anger nanoseconds before you actually realize that you are feeling angry over something.5) You Can Read the Body Language of Your Loved Ones Better Than an ExpertFor most of us who are interested in mastering the art of reading body language, the good news is that it is much easier to read the body language of your loved ones better than any other expert out there. Think about it; you can detect exactly when your spouse is mad at you, or your child is bored. This is because you have already spent hours trying to understand your loved one and their feelings toward you.6) Don’t Think about Key Indicators When Trying to Read Body Language AccuratelyHumans are hardwired to read and evaluate the emotions and intents of other people because we all have mirror neurons in our brains that activate subconsciously to register an emotion in another person. We can easily mimic that emotion in order to understand it better and share it. This is one of the reasons why fear is contagious; people react almost instantly to fear and take necessary steps quickly.Also, if you want to assess the true feelings of a person accurately, it is better not to focus entirely on the key body language indicators and give your unconscious mind a chance to pick up all the right i ndicators that will later help you evaluate emotional intent accurately.7) Humans Are Hardwired to Read and Understand Body LanguageDid you know that you have threes brains, two of which are masters at reading and decoding body language? Yes, your third mind is your gut. Hence, the gut feeling you get when something is not right. While the conscious mind is too occupied with other chores, your unconscious mind does all the heavy work â€" reading and evaluating the body language of another person.This is one of the reasons why you can sense the fear of something before it has happened or feel butterflies in your stomach when you think of someone special.THE RIGHT BODY LANGUAGE TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURBelieve it or not, having the right body language as an entrepreneur can help you soar to greater heights. Here are some of the main body language indicators you must pay attention to.1) Body Language for NetworkingAs entrepreneurs, we all know that networking is all about mak ing a strong first impression for forging strong connections and getting more contracts. But how do you make a ‘strong’ first impression? Here’s how:To show that you are interested in the conversation, point your feet towards them while engaging in a conversation.Do not gaze overhead. People think that the other person cannot notice this, but the minute you break eye contact, it shows. This is never a good strategy when networking.The master of winning friends and influencing people, Dale Carnegie, believes that a triple nod can do wonders when it comes to interacting with people because it exudes self-confidence and shows that you are actually interested in the conversation.2) Body Language for Giving the Perfect Sales PitchA lot of work goes into selling your business idea to new investors and having the right body language can help you do just that.Even though giving the perfect sales pitch is more about verbal communication, entrepreneurs usually forget to pay attention to non-verbal cues.For instance, if you are discussing the growth of your business plan in the near future, move your hands in the hockey stick direction to keep the investor engaged and interested in what you’re going to say.3) Body Language for HiringFinding the right employee is critical to helping your business grow and as the driving force of the business, it is important to ensure that you have found the right person. In order to get to know someone better, here is what you need to know:Angled seating can do wonders because how you sit actually affects one’s behavior more than you realize. When your body is directly aligned with the other person sitting opposite to you, you automatically become more engaged in the conversation.Sitting with the prospective employee in an open space opposite a glass table will also make a huge difference because you will be able to see their hand gestures when you ask tough questions.4) Body Language for NegotiatingNegotiation is an important aspect of the hiring process, and your nonverbal behavior can play a pivotal role in this regard. In order to feel more in control and powerful, do the following:Steeping is a great way of showing that you are confident and in control. Bring your hands up to your chest and press your fingertips together to exude confidence.Sitting high and keeping your posture straight can also make a great deal of difference by creating a strong persona.If you are standing, stand tall and straight to create the perception that you are in control.5) Body Language for ManagingAn entrepreneur’s job is tougher than you think because managing and creating teams is quite a daunting task that requires time, patience and expertise. However, a manager must always show he is approachable and there to help in order to create a positive attitude among employees.Here are some body language tips you may want to consider:Never cross your arms when interacting with your employees.Smile often when greeting or spe aking with your subordinates to create a friendly atmosphere.Loosen your shoulders and arms to look more fluid.Lean in when speaking with someone.Uncross your legs to look more approachable and less shut off.Even though these are some ways you can improve your body language, keep in mind that there is no one size fits all when it comes to body language. The reason is that what may make you seem more confident may make another person look arrogant and cocky, which is negative. Therefore, always try to look more approachable and the best thing you can do is smile more often.Now that you know everything about reading and evaluating body language, be inspired by the tips given above to become a successful entrepreneur and soar to new heights of greatness.

Gay Parenting Essay - 939 Words

For generations, homosexuality has been repelled against and condemned. Homosexuality is not normal, according to certain traditions and religions. Homosexuality is to be frowned upon and recognized as demons and sin-natured. In modern times, homosexuality has become a lifestyle and a relationship for more and more people with each passing moment. Although homosexual marriage is not allowed in some states, the anatomy of the person, whether male or female, hardly allows them to reproduce without sperm or ovaries. Since gays are not capable of reproducing, then adoption is their next option or sperm donors. The big controversy is whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children or whether the â€Å"step-parent,† which is actually†¦show more content†¦Why does a single homosexual or partnered homosexuals get criticized or be constricted by the law for the same thing that heterosexuals are doing every day? Does anyone truly know what family values are? Ca n a single parent teach their child family values or does the opposite sex has to be present? Adopting a child and worrying how the child might turn out is not based on if the parents are gay or not, but how the child is raised. Is the child raised to be mean and abused or friendly and talkative? The problem is not that gays should not be able to adopt, but that the children are brought up with morals and ethics that are in standard with society. Gay parents have the tendency to be more outgoing and committed than straight parents. This is more true than false because homosexual partners normally choose to be parents and are prepared to take time away from their jobs and social life to raise a child with the person they love (Pappas 1). According to the 2000 U.S. Census/Demography study, almost 160,000 homosexuals are currently living with children the gay parents have adopted children or gave birth to children (â€Å"Graph† 1). As homosexuality becomes more and more frequent with people, then adoption will become more frequent. The type of traditional family is starting to change. Nearly one-fourth of the children that live in the United States are living with one parent (â€Å"Gay Parenting† 2). The need for adoption is among the world today. In reference toShow MoreRelatedThe Controversy of Gay Parenting Essay972 Words   |  4 PagesThe Controversy of Gay Parenting Gay parenting is an issue that affects a great number of people worldwide. Although the number is a minority, the issue still causes heated debate. People who are in favor of Gay, Lesbian, and Bi-Sexual parenting rights claim that as long as there is a commitment to parenthood then successful parenting is achievable as a homosexual or bi-sexual. Since within a gay couple there is no chance for accidental pregnancy, the couple must make a conscious decision to becomeRead More The Debate over Gay Parenting Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesOver the last several decades, gay rights have been a growing topic in the public and in the court rooms. Recently, the debate about gays having the right or ability to parent has become a hot topic, due to the expanding gay community. There are typically two stances taken on the topic of gay parenting: it’s wrong and should be illegal or it’s normal and should be legal. While the norms, stereotypes and debates about gay parenting have va ried over the years, today there seems to be a positive consensusRead MoreGay or Lesbian Parenting and the Psychological Effects on Their Adoptive Children890 Words   |  4 Pagesfamilies and if their parents have a stable relationship with each other and with their adoptive children, and have great support systems, then it should not be difficult for those children to thrive in the world as children of gay/lesbian parents. Families headed by gay and lesbian parents are just as diverse as families led by heterosexual couples (Thompson 36). The only difference in these families is there are two mothers or two fathers. They are seen as â€Å"unnatural† by most conservatives andRead MoreGay Adoption And Parenting : A Of The Sexual Orientation Issues Affecting The Society Today1891 Words   |  8 PagesKayser English 100 December 7, 2016 Gay adoption and parenting Gay adoption and parenting are one of the sexual orientation issues affecting the society today. It involves two men who adopt children and raise them as their kids. There are various ways of adopting children, including agency adoption, independent adoptions and the identified adoptions (Golombok et al., 458). After adoption, children are brought up with the parents of the same sex. For gay adoption, it involves both male parentsRead MoreGay Parenting Essay2094 Words   |  9 PagesThe conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in todays society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the Pro side first. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they dont deserve equal rights in society. Society has to realizeRead M oreThe Role Of Gay Parenting1846 Words   |  8 Pagestimes that they went through as an adult. Gay and lesbian parenting is an accepted problem that people watch occur every single day, and that should not have to see. The role of gay parenting is ruining; the traditional family aspect of a childhood, the way the children are treated in schools, and it also is a threat to religion. The way people live today should be the traditional way of the families and children should be brought up, and not by lesbian or gay parents so that the kids would not haveRead More Gay Parenting Essay1797 Words   |  8 PagesGay Parenting Steve Lofton and his partner, Roger Croteau live in fear each day of having their foster-son, Bert, taken away from them and placed with another family. Steve and Roger can not adopt Bert, who is 10 years old, because a Florida law banning gays from adopting prohibits it. Bert, along with four other children, has been in the care of Steve and Roger since he was an infant. If he is taken away from them, he will lose the only family he has ever known. Since June 1977, FloridaRead More A Study on Gay Parenting Essay1090 Words   |  5 Pagesa sensitive subject in society for a long time, and in recent years, it has sparked both support and controversy in areas such as legalizing gay and lesbian marriage and various other matters that have arisen surrounding the movement towards equality of treatment and integration into society. One of these matters that has garnered attention is gay parenting. With some states now allowing same-sex marriage or unions, the next step being taken is starting a family. There has been wide speculation intoRead MoreThe Debate On Marriage And Parenting Rights For Gay And1673 Words   |  7 PagesThe debate on marriage and parenting rights for gay and lesbian individuals has been one of the most hotly contested social issues in recent history. While many arguments are cited to prevent gay couples from enjoying equality, these arguments ultimately condense to concerns rooted in homophobia. Opponents of the LGBT community contend that same sex parenting contradicts the natural order of the world, subjects children to unnecessary societal stigma, and that the state has a right to favor heterosexualRead More Social and Legal Obstacles of Gay and Lesbian Parenting Essay1677 Words   |  7 PagesSocial and Legal Obstacles of Gay and Lesbian Parenting In the last decade there has been a rise in the number of lesbians and gay men forming their own families. Many do this through adoption, foster care, artificial insemination, and other means. Today, researchers have estimated that the number of children living with one gay or lesbian parent is six to fourteen million. Some have described this current period as a lesbian and gay â€Å"baby boom†. However, lesbian and gay parents face many social and

The Lovely Bones Book Report - 1351 Words

Title The novels title stems from a line toward the end of the novel, in which Susie ponders her friends and familys newfound strength after her death: These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence: the connections — sometimes tenuous, sometimes made at great cost, but often magnificent — that happened after I was gone. And I began to see things in a way that let me hold the world without me in it. The events my death brought were merely the bones of a body that would become whole at some unpredictable time in the future. The price of what I came to see as this miraculous lifeless body had been my life.[1] [edit] Synopsis On December 6, 1973, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Susie†¦show more content†¦Ray senses Susies presence, and takes advantage of the fact he has Susie back with him for the time being. The two go to the back room in Hal Hecklers (the older brother of Lindseys boyfriend Samuel) bike shop and make love, as Susie had longed to do after witnessing her sister and Samuel. Afterward, Susie returns to heaven. She moves on into the larger heaven, still watching earthbound events from time to time. Her sister gives birth to a daughter, Abigail Suzanne. She watches as Harvey dies in a fall down a snow-covered slope in New Hampshire. At the end of the novel her charm bracelet is found by a Norristown couple who know nothing of its significance, and Susie closes the story by wishing the reader a long and happy life. [edit] Characters * Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who is murdered in the first chapter, and narrates the novel from heaven. * Jack Salmon, her father, who works for an insurance agency in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. After Susies death, he is consumed with guilt at having failed to save her. * Abigail Salmon, her mother, whose growing family frustratesd her youthful dreams. After her daughters death, sick of her husbands preoccupation with the past, she has an affair with Detective LenShow MoreRelatedThe Lovely Bones By Alice Sebold1334 Words   |  6 PagesThe book I chose for my 4th quarter book report is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. This book contained 352 pages of breathtaking and descriptive writing. The book is classified as a fiction but as a subcategory would fall under modern criminal. The books protagonist is Suzie Salmon, age 14, who is brutally raped and killed. She is struggling with the acceptance of her death and the pain that follows her emotionally to the afterlife. 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About My Personal Project †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Page 3. Area Of Interaction (AOI) Used †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Page 4. Plan Layout †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Page 4. Summary †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦

Forward the Foundation Chapter 29 Free Essays

string(90) " the crystal sphere back on its table and, with a swish of robes, moved back to his desk\." 32 â€Å"Professor Seldon come in,† said Chief Librarian Tryma Acarnio in an icy tone of voice. Hari Seldon accompanied by Wanda and Palver, entered the Chief Librarian’s imposing office. â€Å"Thank you, Chief Librarian,† said Seldon as he settled into a chair and faced Acarnio across the vast desk. We will write a custom essay sample on Forward the Foundation Chapter 29 or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"May I introduce my granddaughter Wanda and my friend Stettin Palver. Wanda is a most valuable member of the Psychohistory Project, her specialty being in the field of mathematics. And Stettin, well, Stettin is turning into a first-rate general psychohistorian-when he’s not performing his duties as my bodyguard, that is.† Seldon chuckled amiably. â€Å"Yes, well, that’s all well and good, Professor,† said Acarnio, baffled by Seldon’s good humor. He had expected the professor to come in groveling, begging for another chance at special Library privileges. â€Å"But I don’t understand what it is you wanted to see me about. I assume you realize that our position is firm: We cannot allow a Library association with someone so extremely unpopular with the general population. We are, after all, a public library and we must keep the public’s sentiments in mind.† Acarnio settled back-perhaps now the groveling would begin. â€Å"I realize that I have not been able to sway you. However, I thought that if you heard from a couple of the Project’s younger members-the psychohistorians of tomorrow, as it were-that perhaps you’d get a better feel about what a vital role the Project-and the Encyclopedia, in particular-will play in our future. Please hear Wanda and Stettin out.† Acarnio cast a cold eye toward the two young people flanking Seldon. â€Å"Very well, then,† he said, pointedly eyeing the timestrip on the wall. â€Å"Five minutes and no more. I have a Library to run.† â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Wanda, â€Å"as my grandfather has undoubtedly explained to you, psychohistory is a most valuable tool to be used for the preservation of our culture. Yes, preservation, † she repeated, upon seeing Acarnio’s eyes widen at the word. â€Å"Undue emphasis has been placed on the destruction of the Empire. By doing so, the true value of psychohistory has been overlooked. For, with psychohistory, as we are able to predict the inevitable decline of our civilization, so are we able to take steps toward its preservation. That is what the Encyclopedia Galactica is all about. And that is why we need your help, and the help of your great Library.† Acarnio could not resist smiling. The young lady had an undeniable charm. She was so earnest, so well spoken. He gazed at her sitting in front of him, her blond hair pulled back in a rather severe scholarly style, one which could not hide her attractive features but, rather, showed them off. What she was saying was starting to make sense. Maybe Wanda Seldon was right-maybe he had been looking at this problem from the wrong angle. If it were actually a matter of preservation, rather than destruction†¦ â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Stettin Palver, â€Å"this great Library has stood for millennia. It, perhaps even more than the Imperial Palace, represents the vast power of the Empire. For, the Palace houses only the Empire’s leader, while the Library is home to the sum total of Imperial knowledge, culture, and history. Its value is incalculable. â€Å"Does it not make sense to prepare a tribute to this great repository? The Encyclopedia Galactica will be just that-a giant summary of all the knowledge contained within these very walls. Think of it!† All of a sudden it seemed so very clear to Acarnio. How could he have let the Board (especially that sourpuss Gennaro Mummery) convince him to rescind Seldon’s privileges? Las Zenow, a person whose judgment he greatly esteemed, had been a wholehearted supporter of Seldon’s Encyclopedia. He glanced again at the three in front of him, waiting for his decision. The Board would be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about with the Project members-if the young people now in his office were a representative sample of the kind of persons involved with Seldon. Acarnio rose and walked across his office, his brow furrowed, as if framing his thoughts. He picked up a milky crystal sphere from a table and hefted it in his palm. â€Å"Trantor,† Acarnio began thoughtfully, â€Å"seat of the Empire, center of all the Galaxy. Quite amazing, when you think of it. We have, perhaps, been too quick to judge Professor Seldon. Now that your Project, this Encyclopedia Galactica, has been presented to me in such a light†-he gave a brief nod to Wanda and Palver-â€Å"I realize how important it would be to allow you to continue your work here. And, of course, to grant access to a number of your colleagues.† Seldon smiled gratefully and squeezed Wanda’s hand. â€Å"It is not only for the greater glory of the Empire that I am recommending this,† continued Acarnio, apparently warming to the idea (and the sound of his own voice). â€Å"You are famous, Professor Seldon. Whether people think of you as a crackpot or a genius, everyone seems to have an opinion. If an academic of your stature is allied with the Galactic Library, it can only increase our prestige as a bastion of intellectual pursuit of the highest order. Why, the luster of your presence can be used to raise much-needed funds to update our collections, increase our staff, keep our doors open to the public longer†¦ â€Å"And the prospect of the Encyclopedia Galactica itself-what a monumental project! Imagine the reaction when the public learns that the Galactic Library is involved with such an undertaking designed to highlight the splendor of our civilization-our glorious history, our brilliant achievements, our magnificent cultures. And to think that I, Chief Librarian Tryma Acarnio, is responsible for making sure that this great Project gets its start-† Acarnio gazed intently into the crystal sphere, lost in reverie. â€Å"Yes, Professor Seldon,† Acarnio pulled himself back to the here and now. â€Å"You and your colleagues will be granted full insiders’ privileges-and a suite of offices in which to work.† He placed the crystal sphere back on its table and, with a swish of robes, moved back to his desk. You read "Forward the Foundation Chapter 29" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"It might take a little doing, of course, to persuade the Board-but I am confident that I can handle them. Just leave it to me.† Seldon, Wanda, and Palver looked at each other in triumph, with small smiles playing at the corner of their mouths. Tryma Acarnio gestured that they could go and so they did, leaving the Chief Librarian settled in his chair, dreaming of the glory and honor that would come to the Library under his aegis. â€Å"Amazing,† said Seldon when the three were safely ensconced in their ground-car. â€Å"If you could have seen him at our last meeting. He said I was ‘threatening the essential fabric of our Empire’ or some such rot. And today, after just a few minutes with you two-â€Å" â€Å"It wasn’t too hard, Grandpa,† Wanda said as she pressed a contact, moving the ground-car out into traffic. She sat back as the auto-propel took over; Wanda had punched their destination coordinates into the control panel. â€Å"He is a man with a strong sense of self-importance. All we had to do was play up the positive aspects of the Encyclopedia and his ego took over from there.† â€Å"He was a goner the minute Wanda and I walked in,† Palver said from the back. â€Å"With both of us pushing him, it was a piece of cake.† Palver reached forward and squeezed Wanda’s shoulder affectionately. She smiled, reached up, and patted his hand. â€Å"I must alert the Encyclopedists as soon as possible,† Seldon said. â€Å"Although there are only thirty-two left, they are good and dedicated workers. I’ll get them installed at the Library and then I’ll tackle the next hurdle-credits. Perhaps this alliance with the Library is what I need to convince people to give us funding. Let’s see-I’ll call upon Terep Bindris again and I’ll take you two with me. He was kindly disposed toward me, at least at first. But how will he be able to resist us now?† The ground-car eventually came to a halt outside the Psychohistory Building at Streeling. The side panels slid open, but Seldon did not immediately move to disembark. He turned to face Wanda. â€Å"Wanda, you know what you and Stettin were able to accomplish with Acarnio; I’m sure you both can push some credits out of a few financial benefactors as well. â€Å"I know how you hate to leave your beloved Prime Radiant, but these visits will give you two a chance to practice, to hone your skills, to get an idea of just what you can do.† â€Å"All right, Grandpa, although I’m sure that, now that you have the Library’s imprimatur, you will find that resistance to your requests has lessened.† â€Å"There’s another reason I think it’s important for the two of you to get out and around together. Stettin, I believe you said that on certain occasions you’ve ‘felt’ another mind like yours but haven’t been able to identify it.† â€Å"Yes,† answered Palver, â€Å"I’ve had flashes, but each time I was in a crowd. And, in my twenty-four years, I can remember feeling such a flash just four or five times.† â€Å"But, Stettin,† said Seldon, his voice low with intensity, â€Å"each flash was, potentially, the mind of another person like you and Wanda-another mentalic. Wanda’s never felt these flashes because, frankly, she’s been sheltered all her life. The few times she’s been out in a crowd there must not have been any other mentalics around. â€Å"That’s one reason-perhaps the most important reason-for you two to get out-with me or without me. We must find other mentalics. The two of you alone are strong enough to push a single person. A large group of you, all pushing together, will have the power to move an Empire!† With that. Hari Seldon swung his legs around and hoisted himself out of the ground-car. As Wanda and Palver watched him limp up the pathway to the Psychohistory Building, they were only dimly aware of the enormous responsibility Seldon had just placed on their young shoulders. 33 It was midafternoon and the Trantorian sun glinted on the metal skin covering the great planet. Hari Seldon stood at the edge of the Streeling University observation deck, attempting to shield his eyes from the harsh glare with his hand. It had been years since he’d been out from under the dome, save for his few visits to the Palace, and somehow those didn’t count; one was still very much enclosed on the Imperial grounds. Seldon no longer traveled around only if accompanied. In the first place, Palver spent the majority of his time with Wanda, either working on the Prime Radiant, absorbed in mentalic research, or searching for others like them. But if he had wanted, Seldon could have found another young man-a University student or a Project member-to act as his bodyguard. However, Seldon knew that a bodyguard was no longer necessary. Since the much publicized hearing and the reestablishment of ties with the Galactic Library, the Commission for Public Safety had taken a keen interest in Seldon. Seldon knew that he was being followed; he had caught sight of his â€Å"shadow† on a number of occasions in the past few months. He also had no doubt that his home and office had been infiltrated by listening devices, but he himself activated a static shield whenever he engaged in sensitive communications. Seldon was not sure what the Commission thought of him-perhaps they were not yet sure themselves. Regardless of whether they believed him to be a prophet or a crackpot, they made it their business to know where he was at all times-and that meant that, until the Commission deemed otherwise, at all times Seldon was safe. A light breeze billowed the deep blue cloak Seldon had draped over his unisuit and ruffed the few wispy white hairs remaining on his head. He glanced down over the railing, taking in the seamless steel blanket below. Beneath that blanket, Seldon knew, rumbled the machinery of a vastly complicated world. If the dome were transparent, one would see ground-cars racing, gravicabs swooshing through an intricate network of interconnecting tunnels, space hyperships being loaded and unloaded with grain and chemicals and jewels bound for and from practically every world of the Empire. Below the gleaming metal cover, the lives of forty billion people were being conducted, with all the attendant pain, joy, and drama of human life. It was an image he loved dearly-this panorama of human achievement-and it pierced his heart to know that, in just a few centuries, all that now lay before him would be in ruins. The great dome would be ripped and scarred, torn away to reveal the desolate wasteland of what was once the seat of a thriving civilization. He shook his head in sadness, for he knew there was nothing he could do to prevent that tragedy. But, as Seldon foresaw the ruined dome, he also knew that from the ground laid bare by the last battles of the Empire living shoots would spring and somehow Trantor would reemerge as a vital member of the new Empire. The Plan saw to that. Seldon lowered himself onto one of the benches ringing the deck’s perimeter. His leg was throbbing painfully; the exertion of the trip had been a bit much. But it had been worth it to gaze once again at Trantor, to feel the open air around him and see the vast sky above. Seldon thought wistfully of Wanda. He rarely saw his granddaughter at all anymore and invariably Stettin Palver was present when he did. In the three months since Wanda and Palver had met, they seemed to be inseparable. Wanda assured Seldon that the constant involvement was necessary for the Project, but Seldon suspected it went deeper than mere devotion to one’s job. He remembered the telltale signs from his early days with Dors. It was there in the way the two young people looked at each other, with an intensity born not only of intellectual stimulation but emotional motivation as well. Further, by their very natures, Wanda and Palver seemed to be more comfortable with each other than with other people. In fact, Seldon had discovered that when no one else was around, Wanda and Palver didn’t even talk to each other; their mentalic abilities were sufficiently advanced that they had no need of words to communicate. The other Project members were not aware of Wanda’s and Palver’s unique talents. Seldon had felt it best to keep the mentalics’ work quiet, at least until their role in the Plan was firmly defined. Actually the Plan itself was firmly defined-but solely in Seldon’s mind. As a few more pieces fell into place, he would reveal his Plan to Wanda and Palver and someday, of necessity, to one or two others. Seldon stood slowly, stiffly. He was due back at Streeling in an hour to meet Wanda and Palver. They had left word for him that they were bringing a great surprise. Another piece for the puzzle, Seldon hoped. He looked out one last time over Trantor and, before turning to make his way back to the gravitic repulsion elevator, smiled and softly said, â€Å"Foundation.† 34 Hari Seldon entered his office to find that Wanda and Palver had already arrived and were seated around the conference table at the far end of the room. As was usual with those two, the room was completely silent. Then Seldon stopped short, noticing that a new fellow was sitting with them. How strange-out of politeness, Wanda and Palver usually reverted to standard speech when in the company of other people, yet none of the three was speaking. Seldon studied the stranger-an odd-looking man, about thirty-five years old, with the myopic look of one caught up for too long in his studies. If it weren’t for a certain determined set to the stranger’s jaw, Seldon thought he might be dismissed as ineffectual, but that would obviously be a mistake. There was both strength and kindness in the man’s face. A trustworthy face, Seldon decided. â€Å"Grandfather,† Wanda said, rising gracefully from her chair. Seldon’s heart ached as he looked at his granddaughter. She’d changed so much in the past few months, since the loss of her family. Whereas before she had always called him Grandpa, now it was the more formal Grandfather. In the past it seemed she could barely refrain from grins and giggles; lately her serene gaze was lightened only occasionally by a beatific smile. But-now as always-she was beautiful and that beauty was surpassed only by her stunning intellect. â€Å"Wanda, Palver,† Seldon said, kissing the former on the cheek and slapping the latter on the shoulder. â€Å"Hello,† Seldon said, turning to the stranger, who had also stood. â€Å"I am Hari Seldon.† â€Å"I am most honored to meet you, Professor,† the man replied. â€Å"I am Bor Alurin.† Alurin offered a hand to Seldon in the archaic and, hence, most formal mode of greeting. â€Å"Bor is a psychologist, Hari,† said Palver, â€Å"and a great fan of your work.† â€Å"More important, Grandfather,† said Wanda, â€Å"Bor is one of us.† â€Å"One of you?† Seldon looked searchingly from one to the other. â€Å"Do you mean†¦?† Seldon’s eyes sparkled. â€Å"Yes, Grandfather. Yesterday Stettin and I were walking through Ery Sector, getting out and around, as you’d suggested, probing for others. All of a sudden-wham!-there it was.† â€Å"We recognized the thought patterns immediately and began to look around, trying to establish a link,† Palver said, taking up the story. â€Å"We were in a commercial area, near the spaceport, so the walkways were clogged with shoppers and tourists and Outworld traders. It seemed hopeless, but then Wanda simply stopped and signaled Come here and out of the crowd Bor appeared. He just walked up to us and signaled Yes?† â€Å"Amazing,† Seldon said, beaming at his granddaughter. â€Å"And Dr.-it is Doctor, isn’t it?-Alurin, what do you make of all this?† â€Å"Well,† began the psychologist thoughtfully, â€Å"I am pleased. I’ve always felt different somehow and now I know why. And if I can be of any help to you, why-† The psychologist looked down at his feet, as if all of a sudden he realized he was being presumptuous. â€Å"What I mean is, Wanda and Stettin said I may be able to contribute in some way to your Psychohistory Project. Professor, nothing would please me more.† â€Å"Yes yes. That’s quite true, Dr. Alurin. In fact, I think you may make a great contribution to the Project-if you’ll join me. Of course, you’ll have to give up whatever it is you do now, whether it is teaching or private practice. Can you manage that?† â€Å"Why, yes, Professor, of course. I may need a little help convincing my wife-† At this he chuckled slightly, glancing shyly at each of his three companions in turn. â€Å"But I seem to have a way with that.† â€Å"So it’s set, then,† said Seldon briskly. â€Å"You will join the Psychohistory Project. I promise you, Dr. Alurin, this is a decision you will not regret.† â€Å"Wanda, Stettin,† Seldon said later, after Bor Alurin had left. â€Å"This is a most welcome breakthrough. How quickly do you think you can find more mentalics?† â€Å"Grandfather, it took us over a month to locate Bor-we cannot predict with what frequency others will be found. â€Å"To tell you the truth, all this ‘out and around’ takes us away from our work on the Prime Radiant and it is distracting as well. Now that I have Stettin to ‘talk’ to, verbal communication is somewhat too harsh, too loud. â€Å" Seldon’s smile faded. He had been afraid of this. As Wanda and Palver had been honing their mentalic skills, so their tolerance for â€Å"ordinary† life had diminished. It only made sense; their mentalic manipulations set them apart. â€Å"Wanda, Stettin, I think it may be time for me to tell you more about the idea Yugo Amaryl had years ago and about the Plan I’ve devised as a result of that idea. I haven’t been ready to elaborate upon it until now, because until this moment, all the pieces have not been in place. â€Å"As you know, Yugo felt we must establish two Foundations-each as a fail-safe measure for the other. It was a brilliant idea, one which I wish Yugo could have lived long enough to see realized.† Here Seldon paused, heaving a regretful sigh. â€Å"But I digress. Six years ago, when I was certain that Wanda had mentalic, or mind-touching, capabilities, it came to me that not only should there be two Foundations but that they should be distinct in nature, as well. One would be made up of physical scientists-the Encyclopedists will be their pioneer group on Terminus. The second would be made up of true psychohistorians; mentalists-you. That is why I’ve been so eager for you to find others like you. â€Å"Finally, though, is this: The Second Foundation must be secret. Its strength will lie in its seclusion, in its telepathic omnipresence and omnipotence. â€Å"You see, a few years ago, when it became apparent that I would require the services of a bodyguard, I realized that the Second Foundation must be the strong, silent, secret bodyguard of the primary Foundation. â€Å"Psychohistory is not infallible-its predictions are, however, highly probable. The Foundation, especially in its infancy, will have many enemies, as do I today. â€Å"Wanda, you and Palver are the pioneers of the Second Foundation, the guardians of the Terminus Foundation.† â€Å"But how, Grandfather?† demanded Wanda. â€Å"We are just two-well, three, if you count Bor. To guard the entire Foundation, we would need-â€Å" â€Å"Hundreds? Thousands? Find however many it takes, Granddaughter. You can do it. And you know how. â€Å"Earlier, when relating the story of finding Dr. Alurin, Stettin said you simply stopped and communicated out to the mentalic presence you felt and he came to you. Don’t you see? All along I’ve been urging you to go out and find others like you. But this is difficult, almost painful for you. I realize now that you and Stettin must seclude yourselves, in order to form the nucleus of the Second Foundation. From there you will cast your nets into the ocean of humanity.† â€Å"Grandfather, what are you saying?† Wanda asked in a whisper. She had left her seat and was kneeling next to Seldon’s chair. â€Å"Do you want me to leave?† â€Å"No, Wanda,† Seldon replied, his voice choked with emotion. â€Å"I don’t want you to leave, but it is the only way. You and Stettin must isolate yourselves from the crude physicality of Trantor. As your mentalic abilities grow stronger, you will attract others to you-the silent and secret Foundation will grow. â€Å"We will be in touch-occasionally, of course. And each of us has a Prime Radiant. You see, don’t you, the truth-and the absolute necessity-of what I am saying, don’t you?† â€Å"Yes, I do, Grandfather,† said Wanda. â€Å"More important, I feel the brilliance of it as well. Rest assured; we won’t let you down.† â€Å"I know you won’t, dear,† Seldon said wearily. How could he do this-how could he send his darling granddaughter away? She was his last link to his happiest days, to Dors, Yugo, and Raych. She was the only other Seldon in the Galaxy. â€Å"I shall miss you terribly, Wanda,† Seldon said as a tear worked its way down his finely creased cheek. â€Å"But, Grandfather,† Wanda said as she stood with Palver, preparing to leave. â€Å"Where shall we go? Where is the Second Foundation?† Seldon looked up and said, â€Å"The Prime Radiant has already told you, Wanda.† Wanda looked at Seldon blankly, searching her memory. Seldon reached out and clutched at his granddaughter’s hand. â€Å"Touch my mind, Wanda. It is there.† Wanda’s eyes widened as she reached into Seldon’s mind. â€Å"I see,† Wanda whispered to Seldon. Section 33A2D17. Star’s End. Part V Epilogue I am Hari Seldon. Former First Minister to Emperor Cleon I. Professor Emeritus of Psychohistory at Streeling University on Trantor. Director of the Psychohistory Research Project. Executive Editor of the Encyclopedia Galactica. Creator of the Foundation. It all sounds quite impressive, I know. I have done a great deal in my eighty-one years and I am tired. Looking back over my life, I wonder if I could have-should have-done certain things differently. For instance: Was I so concerned with the grand sweep of psychohistory that the people and events that intersected my life sometimes seemed inconsequential by comparison? Perhaps I neglected to make some small incidental adjustments here or there that would have in no way compromised the future of humanity but might have dramatically improved the life of an individual dear to me. Yugo, Raych†¦ I can’t help but wonder†¦ Was there something I could have done to save my beloved Dors? Last month I finished recording the Crisis holograms. My assistant, Gaal Dornick, has taken them to Terminus to oversee their installation in the Seldon Vault. He will make sure that the Vault is sealed and that the proper instructions are left for the eventual openings of the Vault, during the Crises. I’ll be dead by then, of course. What will they think, those future Foundationers, when they see me (or, more accurately, my hologram) during the First Crisis, almost fifty years from now? Will they comment on how old I look or how weak my voice is or how small I seem, bundled in this wheelchair? Will they understand-appreciate-the message I’ve left for them? Ah well, there’s really no point in speculating. As the ancients would say: The die is cast. I heard from Gaal yesterday. All is going well on Terminus. Bor Alurin and the Project members are flourishing in â€Å"exile.† I shouldn’t gloat, but I can’t help but chuckle when I recall the self-satisfied look on the face of that pompous idiot Linge Chen when he banished the Project to Terminus two years ago. Although ultimately the exile was couched in terms of an Imperial Charter (â€Å"A state-supported scientific institution and part of the personal domain of His August Majesty, the Emperor†-the Chief Commissioner wanted us off Trantor and out of his hair, but he could not bear the thought of giving up complete control), it is still a source of secret delight to know that it was Las Zenow and I who chose Terminus as Foundation’s home. My one regret where Linge Chen is concerned is that we were not able to save Agis. That Emperor was a good man and a noble leader, even if he was Imperial in name only. His mistake was to believe in his title and the Commission of Public Safety would not tolerate the burgeoning Imperial independence. I often wonder what they did to Agis-was he exiled to some remote Outer World or assassinated like Cleon? The boy-child who sits on the throne today is the perfect puppet Emperor. He obeys every word Linge Chen whispers in his ear and fancies himself a budding statesman. The Palace and trappings of Imperial life are but toys to him in some vast fantastical game. What will I do now? With Gaal finally gone to join the Terminus group, I am utterly alone. I hear from Wanda occasionally. The work at Star’s End continues on course; in the past decade she and Stettin have added dozens of mentalics to their number. They increasingly grow in power. It was the Star’s End contingent-my secret Foundation-who pushed Linge Chen into sending the Encyclopedists to Terminus. I miss Wanda. It has been many years since I’ve seen her, sat with her quietly, holding her hand. When Wanda left, even though I had asked her to go, I thought I would die of heartbreak. That was, perhaps, the most difficult decision I ever had to make and, although I never told her, I almost decided against it. But for the Foundation to succeed, it was necessary for Wanda and Stettin to go to Star’s End. Psychohistory decreed it, so perhaps it wasn’t really my decision, after all. I still come here every day, to my office in the Psychohistory Building. I remember when this structure was filled with people, day and night. Sometimes I feel as if it’s filled with voices, those of my long-departed family, students, colleagues-but the offices are empty and silent. The hallways echo with the whirr of my wheelchair motor. I suppose I should vacate the building, return it to the University to allocate to another department. But somehow it’s hard to let go of this place. There are so many memories†¦ All I have now is this, my Prime Radiant. This is the means by which psychohistory can be computed, through which every equation in my Plan may be analyzed, all here in this amazing, small black cube. As I sit here, this deceptively simple-looking tool in the palm of my hand, I wish I could show it to R. Daneel Olivaw†¦ But I am alone, and need only to close a contact for the office lights to dim. As I settle back in my wheelchair, the Prime Radiant activates, its equations spreading around me in three-dimensional splendor. To the untrained eye, this multicolored swirl would be merely a jumble of shapes and numbers, but for me-and Yugo, Wanda, Gaal-this is psychohistory, come to life. What I see before me, around me, is the future of humanity. Thirty thousand years of potential chaos, compressed into a single millennium†¦ That patch, glowing more strongly day by day, is the Terminus equation. And there-skewed beyond repair-are the Trantor figures. But I can see†¦ yes, softly beaming, a steady light of hope†¦ Star’s End! This-this-was my life’s work. My past-humanity’s future. Foundation. So beautiful, so alive. And nothing can†¦ Dors! SELDON, HARI-†¦ found dead, slumped over his desk in his office at Streeling University in 12,069 G.E. (1 F.E.). Apparently Seldon had been working up to his last moments on psychohistorical equations; his activated Prime Radiant was discovered clutched in his hand†¦ According to Seldon’s instructions, the instrument was shipped to his colleague Gaal Dornick who had recently emigrated to Terminus†¦ Seldon’s body was jettisoned into space, also in accordance with instructions he’d left. The official memorial service on Trantor was simple, though well attended. It is worth noting that Seldon’s old friend former First Minister Eto Demerzel attended the event. Demerzel had not been seen since his mysterious disappearance immediately following the Joranumite Conspiracy during the reign of Emperor Cleon I. Attempts by the Commission of Public Safety to locate Demerzel in the days following the Seldon memorial proved to be unsuccessful†¦ Wanda Seldon, Hari Seldon’s granddaughter, did not attend the ceremony. It was rumored that she was grief-stricken and had refused all public appearances. To this day, her whereabouts from then on remain unknown†¦ It has been said that Hari Seldon left this life as he lived it, for he died with the future he created unfolding all around him†¦ Encyclopedia Galactica [1] All quotations from the Encyclopedia Galactica here reproduced are taken from the 116th Edition, published 1,020 F.E. by the Encyclopedia Galactica Publishing Co., Terminus, with permission of the publishers. How to cite Forward the Foundation Chapter 29, Essay examples

Forward the Foundation Chapter 29 Free Essays

string(90) " the crystal sphere back on its table and, with a swish of robes, moved back to his desk\." 32 â€Å"Professor Seldon come in,† said Chief Librarian Tryma Acarnio in an icy tone of voice. Hari Seldon accompanied by Wanda and Palver, entered the Chief Librarian’s imposing office. â€Å"Thank you, Chief Librarian,† said Seldon as he settled into a chair and faced Acarnio across the vast desk. We will write a custom essay sample on Forward the Foundation Chapter 29 or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"May I introduce my granddaughter Wanda and my friend Stettin Palver. Wanda is a most valuable member of the Psychohistory Project, her specialty being in the field of mathematics. And Stettin, well, Stettin is turning into a first-rate general psychohistorian-when he’s not performing his duties as my bodyguard, that is.† Seldon chuckled amiably. â€Å"Yes, well, that’s all well and good, Professor,† said Acarnio, baffled by Seldon’s good humor. He had expected the professor to come in groveling, begging for another chance at special Library privileges. â€Å"But I don’t understand what it is you wanted to see me about. I assume you realize that our position is firm: We cannot allow a Library association with someone so extremely unpopular with the general population. We are, after all, a public library and we must keep the public’s sentiments in mind.† Acarnio settled back-perhaps now the groveling would begin. â€Å"I realize that I have not been able to sway you. However, I thought that if you heard from a couple of the Project’s younger members-the psychohistorians of tomorrow, as it were-that perhaps you’d get a better feel about what a vital role the Project-and the Encyclopedia, in particular-will play in our future. Please hear Wanda and Stettin out.† Acarnio cast a cold eye toward the two young people flanking Seldon. â€Å"Very well, then,† he said, pointedly eyeing the timestrip on the wall. â€Å"Five minutes and no more. I have a Library to run.† â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Wanda, â€Å"as my grandfather has undoubtedly explained to you, psychohistory is a most valuable tool to be used for the preservation of our culture. Yes, preservation, † she repeated, upon seeing Acarnio’s eyes widen at the word. â€Å"Undue emphasis has been placed on the destruction of the Empire. By doing so, the true value of psychohistory has been overlooked. For, with psychohistory, as we are able to predict the inevitable decline of our civilization, so are we able to take steps toward its preservation. That is what the Encyclopedia Galactica is all about. And that is why we need your help, and the help of your great Library.† Acarnio could not resist smiling. The young lady had an undeniable charm. She was so earnest, so well spoken. He gazed at her sitting in front of him, her blond hair pulled back in a rather severe scholarly style, one which could not hide her attractive features but, rather, showed them off. What she was saying was starting to make sense. Maybe Wanda Seldon was right-maybe he had been looking at this problem from the wrong angle. If it were actually a matter of preservation, rather than destruction†¦ â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Stettin Palver, â€Å"this great Library has stood for millennia. It, perhaps even more than the Imperial Palace, represents the vast power of the Empire. For, the Palace houses only the Empire’s leader, while the Library is home to the sum total of Imperial knowledge, culture, and history. Its value is incalculable. â€Å"Does it not make sense to prepare a tribute to this great repository? The Encyclopedia Galactica will be just that-a giant summary of all the knowledge contained within these very walls. Think of it!† All of a sudden it seemed so very clear to Acarnio. How could he have let the Board (especially that sourpuss Gennaro Mummery) convince him to rescind Seldon’s privileges? Las Zenow, a person whose judgment he greatly esteemed, had been a wholehearted supporter of Seldon’s Encyclopedia. He glanced again at the three in front of him, waiting for his decision. The Board would be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about with the Project members-if the young people now in his office were a representative sample of the kind of persons involved with Seldon. Acarnio rose and walked across his office, his brow furrowed, as if framing his thoughts. He picked up a milky crystal sphere from a table and hefted it in his palm. â€Å"Trantor,† Acarnio began thoughtfully, â€Å"seat of the Empire, center of all the Galaxy. Quite amazing, when you think of it. We have, perhaps, been too quick to judge Professor Seldon. Now that your Project, this Encyclopedia Galactica, has been presented to me in such a light†-he gave a brief nod to Wanda and Palver-â€Å"I realize how important it would be to allow you to continue your work here. And, of course, to grant access to a number of your colleagues.† Seldon smiled gratefully and squeezed Wanda’s hand. â€Å"It is not only for the greater glory of the Empire that I am recommending this,† continued Acarnio, apparently warming to the idea (and the sound of his own voice). â€Å"You are famous, Professor Seldon. Whether people think of you as a crackpot or a genius, everyone seems to have an opinion. If an academic of your stature is allied with the Galactic Library, it can only increase our prestige as a bastion of intellectual pursuit of the highest order. Why, the luster of your presence can be used to raise much-needed funds to update our collections, increase our staff, keep our doors open to the public longer†¦ â€Å"And the prospect of the Encyclopedia Galactica itself-what a monumental project! Imagine the reaction when the public learns that the Galactic Library is involved with such an undertaking designed to highlight the splendor of our civilization-our glorious history, our brilliant achievements, our magnificent cultures. And to think that I, Chief Librarian Tryma Acarnio, is responsible for making sure that this great Project gets its start-† Acarnio gazed intently into the crystal sphere, lost in reverie. â€Å"Yes, Professor Seldon,† Acarnio pulled himself back to the here and now. â€Å"You and your colleagues will be granted full insiders’ privileges-and a suite of offices in which to work.† He placed the crystal sphere back on its table and, with a swish of robes, moved back to his desk. You read "Forward the Foundation Chapter 29" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"It might take a little doing, of course, to persuade the Board-but I am confident that I can handle them. Just leave it to me.† Seldon, Wanda, and Palver looked at each other in triumph, with small smiles playing at the corner of their mouths. Tryma Acarnio gestured that they could go and so they did, leaving the Chief Librarian settled in his chair, dreaming of the glory and honor that would come to the Library under his aegis. â€Å"Amazing,† said Seldon when the three were safely ensconced in their ground-car. â€Å"If you could have seen him at our last meeting. He said I was ‘threatening the essential fabric of our Empire’ or some such rot. And today, after just a few minutes with you two-â€Å" â€Å"It wasn’t too hard, Grandpa,† Wanda said as she pressed a contact, moving the ground-car out into traffic. She sat back as the auto-propel took over; Wanda had punched their destination coordinates into the control panel. â€Å"He is a man with a strong sense of self-importance. All we had to do was play up the positive aspects of the Encyclopedia and his ego took over from there.† â€Å"He was a goner the minute Wanda and I walked in,† Palver said from the back. â€Å"With both of us pushing him, it was a piece of cake.† Palver reached forward and squeezed Wanda’s shoulder affectionately. She smiled, reached up, and patted his hand. â€Å"I must alert the Encyclopedists as soon as possible,† Seldon said. â€Å"Although there are only thirty-two left, they are good and dedicated workers. I’ll get them installed at the Library and then I’ll tackle the next hurdle-credits. Perhaps this alliance with the Library is what I need to convince people to give us funding. Let’s see-I’ll call upon Terep Bindris again and I’ll take you two with me. He was kindly disposed toward me, at least at first. But how will he be able to resist us now?† The ground-car eventually came to a halt outside the Psychohistory Building at Streeling. The side panels slid open, but Seldon did not immediately move to disembark. He turned to face Wanda. â€Å"Wanda, you know what you and Stettin were able to accomplish with Acarnio; I’m sure you both can push some credits out of a few financial benefactors as well. â€Å"I know how you hate to leave your beloved Prime Radiant, but these visits will give you two a chance to practice, to hone your skills, to get an idea of just what you can do.† â€Å"All right, Grandpa, although I’m sure that, now that you have the Library’s imprimatur, you will find that resistance to your requests has lessened.† â€Å"There’s another reason I think it’s important for the two of you to get out and around together. Stettin, I believe you said that on certain occasions you’ve ‘felt’ another mind like yours but haven’t been able to identify it.† â€Å"Yes,† answered Palver, â€Å"I’ve had flashes, but each time I was in a crowd. And, in my twenty-four years, I can remember feeling such a flash just four or five times.† â€Å"But, Stettin,† said Seldon, his voice low with intensity, â€Å"each flash was, potentially, the mind of another person like you and Wanda-another mentalic. Wanda’s never felt these flashes because, frankly, she’s been sheltered all her life. The few times she’s been out in a crowd there must not have been any other mentalics around. â€Å"That’s one reason-perhaps the most important reason-for you two to get out-with me or without me. We must find other mentalics. The two of you alone are strong enough to push a single person. A large group of you, all pushing together, will have the power to move an Empire!† With that. Hari Seldon swung his legs around and hoisted himself out of the ground-car. As Wanda and Palver watched him limp up the pathway to the Psychohistory Building, they were only dimly aware of the enormous responsibility Seldon had just placed on their young shoulders. 33 It was midafternoon and the Trantorian sun glinted on the metal skin covering the great planet. Hari Seldon stood at the edge of the Streeling University observation deck, attempting to shield his eyes from the harsh glare with his hand. It had been years since he’d been out from under the dome, save for his few visits to the Palace, and somehow those didn’t count; one was still very much enclosed on the Imperial grounds. Seldon no longer traveled around only if accompanied. In the first place, Palver spent the majority of his time with Wanda, either working on the Prime Radiant, absorbed in mentalic research, or searching for others like them. But if he had wanted, Seldon could have found another young man-a University student or a Project member-to act as his bodyguard. However, Seldon knew that a bodyguard was no longer necessary. Since the much publicized hearing and the reestablishment of ties with the Galactic Library, the Commission for Public Safety had taken a keen interest in Seldon. Seldon knew that he was being followed; he had caught sight of his â€Å"shadow† on a number of occasions in the past few months. He also had no doubt that his home and office had been infiltrated by listening devices, but he himself activated a static shield whenever he engaged in sensitive communications. Seldon was not sure what the Commission thought of him-perhaps they were not yet sure themselves. Regardless of whether they believed him to be a prophet or a crackpot, they made it their business to know where he was at all times-and that meant that, until the Commission deemed otherwise, at all times Seldon was safe. A light breeze billowed the deep blue cloak Seldon had draped over his unisuit and ruffed the few wispy white hairs remaining on his head. He glanced down over the railing, taking in the seamless steel blanket below. Beneath that blanket, Seldon knew, rumbled the machinery of a vastly complicated world. If the dome were transparent, one would see ground-cars racing, gravicabs swooshing through an intricate network of interconnecting tunnels, space hyperships being loaded and unloaded with grain and chemicals and jewels bound for and from practically every world of the Empire. Below the gleaming metal cover, the lives of forty billion people were being conducted, with all the attendant pain, joy, and drama of human life. It was an image he loved dearly-this panorama of human achievement-and it pierced his heart to know that, in just a few centuries, all that now lay before him would be in ruins. The great dome would be ripped and scarred, torn away to reveal the desolate wasteland of what was once the seat of a thriving civilization. He shook his head in sadness, for he knew there was nothing he could do to prevent that tragedy. But, as Seldon foresaw the ruined dome, he also knew that from the ground laid bare by the last battles of the Empire living shoots would spring and somehow Trantor would reemerge as a vital member of the new Empire. The Plan saw to that. Seldon lowered himself onto one of the benches ringing the deck’s perimeter. His leg was throbbing painfully; the exertion of the trip had been a bit much. But it had been worth it to gaze once again at Trantor, to feel the open air around him and see the vast sky above. Seldon thought wistfully of Wanda. He rarely saw his granddaughter at all anymore and invariably Stettin Palver was present when he did. In the three months since Wanda and Palver had met, they seemed to be inseparable. Wanda assured Seldon that the constant involvement was necessary for the Project, but Seldon suspected it went deeper than mere devotion to one’s job. He remembered the telltale signs from his early days with Dors. It was there in the way the two young people looked at each other, with an intensity born not only of intellectual stimulation but emotional motivation as well. Further, by their very natures, Wanda and Palver seemed to be more comfortable with each other than with other people. In fact, Seldon had discovered that when no one else was around, Wanda and Palver didn’t even talk to each other; their mentalic abilities were sufficiently advanced that they had no need of words to communicate. The other Project members were not aware of Wanda’s and Palver’s unique talents. Seldon had felt it best to keep the mentalics’ work quiet, at least until their role in the Plan was firmly defined. Actually the Plan itself was firmly defined-but solely in Seldon’s mind. As a few more pieces fell into place, he would reveal his Plan to Wanda and Palver and someday, of necessity, to one or two others. Seldon stood slowly, stiffly. He was due back at Streeling in an hour to meet Wanda and Palver. They had left word for him that they were bringing a great surprise. Another piece for the puzzle, Seldon hoped. He looked out one last time over Trantor and, before turning to make his way back to the gravitic repulsion elevator, smiled and softly said, â€Å"Foundation.† 34 Hari Seldon entered his office to find that Wanda and Palver had already arrived and were seated around the conference table at the far end of the room. As was usual with those two, the room was completely silent. Then Seldon stopped short, noticing that a new fellow was sitting with them. How strange-out of politeness, Wanda and Palver usually reverted to standard speech when in the company of other people, yet none of the three was speaking. Seldon studied the stranger-an odd-looking man, about thirty-five years old, with the myopic look of one caught up for too long in his studies. If it weren’t for a certain determined set to the stranger’s jaw, Seldon thought he might be dismissed as ineffectual, but that would obviously be a mistake. There was both strength and kindness in the man’s face. A trustworthy face, Seldon decided. â€Å"Grandfather,† Wanda said, rising gracefully from her chair. Seldon’s heart ached as he looked at his granddaughter. She’d changed so much in the past few months, since the loss of her family. Whereas before she had always called him Grandpa, now it was the more formal Grandfather. In the past it seemed she could barely refrain from grins and giggles; lately her serene gaze was lightened only occasionally by a beatific smile. But-now as always-she was beautiful and that beauty was surpassed only by her stunning intellect. â€Å"Wanda, Palver,† Seldon said, kissing the former on the cheek and slapping the latter on the shoulder. â€Å"Hello,† Seldon said, turning to the stranger, who had also stood. â€Å"I am Hari Seldon.† â€Å"I am most honored to meet you, Professor,† the man replied. â€Å"I am Bor Alurin.† Alurin offered a hand to Seldon in the archaic and, hence, most formal mode of greeting. â€Å"Bor is a psychologist, Hari,† said Palver, â€Å"and a great fan of your work.† â€Å"More important, Grandfather,† said Wanda, â€Å"Bor is one of us.† â€Å"One of you?† Seldon looked searchingly from one to the other. â€Å"Do you mean†¦?† Seldon’s eyes sparkled. â€Å"Yes, Grandfather. Yesterday Stettin and I were walking through Ery Sector, getting out and around, as you’d suggested, probing for others. All of a sudden-wham!-there it was.† â€Å"We recognized the thought patterns immediately and began to look around, trying to establish a link,† Palver said, taking up the story. â€Å"We were in a commercial area, near the spaceport, so the walkways were clogged with shoppers and tourists and Outworld traders. It seemed hopeless, but then Wanda simply stopped and signaled Come here and out of the crowd Bor appeared. He just walked up to us and signaled Yes?† â€Å"Amazing,† Seldon said, beaming at his granddaughter. â€Å"And Dr.-it is Doctor, isn’t it?-Alurin, what do you make of all this?† â€Å"Well,† began the psychologist thoughtfully, â€Å"I am pleased. I’ve always felt different somehow and now I know why. And if I can be of any help to you, why-† The psychologist looked down at his feet, as if all of a sudden he realized he was being presumptuous. â€Å"What I mean is, Wanda and Stettin said I may be able to contribute in some way to your Psychohistory Project. Professor, nothing would please me more.† â€Å"Yes yes. That’s quite true, Dr. Alurin. In fact, I think you may make a great contribution to the Project-if you’ll join me. Of course, you’ll have to give up whatever it is you do now, whether it is teaching or private practice. Can you manage that?† â€Å"Why, yes, Professor, of course. I may need a little help convincing my wife-† At this he chuckled slightly, glancing shyly at each of his three companions in turn. â€Å"But I seem to have a way with that.† â€Å"So it’s set, then,† said Seldon briskly. â€Å"You will join the Psychohistory Project. I promise you, Dr. Alurin, this is a decision you will not regret.† â€Å"Wanda, Stettin,† Seldon said later, after Bor Alurin had left. â€Å"This is a most welcome breakthrough. How quickly do you think you can find more mentalics?† â€Å"Grandfather, it took us over a month to locate Bor-we cannot predict with what frequency others will be found. â€Å"To tell you the truth, all this ‘out and around’ takes us away from our work on the Prime Radiant and it is distracting as well. Now that I have Stettin to ‘talk’ to, verbal communication is somewhat too harsh, too loud. â€Å" Seldon’s smile faded. He had been afraid of this. As Wanda and Palver had been honing their mentalic skills, so their tolerance for â€Å"ordinary† life had diminished. It only made sense; their mentalic manipulations set them apart. â€Å"Wanda, Stettin, I think it may be time for me to tell you more about the idea Yugo Amaryl had years ago and about the Plan I’ve devised as a result of that idea. I haven’t been ready to elaborate upon it until now, because until this moment, all the pieces have not been in place. â€Å"As you know, Yugo felt we must establish two Foundations-each as a fail-safe measure for the other. It was a brilliant idea, one which I wish Yugo could have lived long enough to see realized.† Here Seldon paused, heaving a regretful sigh. â€Å"But I digress. Six years ago, when I was certain that Wanda had mentalic, or mind-touching, capabilities, it came to me that not only should there be two Foundations but that they should be distinct in nature, as well. One would be made up of physical scientists-the Encyclopedists will be their pioneer group on Terminus. The second would be made up of true psychohistorians; mentalists-you. That is why I’ve been so eager for you to find others like you. â€Å"Finally, though, is this: The Second Foundation must be secret. Its strength will lie in its seclusion, in its telepathic omnipresence and omnipotence. â€Å"You see, a few years ago, when it became apparent that I would require the services of a bodyguard, I realized that the Second Foundation must be the strong, silent, secret bodyguard of the primary Foundation. â€Å"Psychohistory is not infallible-its predictions are, however, highly probable. The Foundation, especially in its infancy, will have many enemies, as do I today. â€Å"Wanda, you and Palver are the pioneers of the Second Foundation, the guardians of the Terminus Foundation.† â€Å"But how, Grandfather?† demanded Wanda. â€Å"We are just two-well, three, if you count Bor. To guard the entire Foundation, we would need-â€Å" â€Å"Hundreds? Thousands? Find however many it takes, Granddaughter. You can do it. And you know how. â€Å"Earlier, when relating the story of finding Dr. Alurin, Stettin said you simply stopped and communicated out to the mentalic presence you felt and he came to you. Don’t you see? All along I’ve been urging you to go out and find others like you. But this is difficult, almost painful for you. I realize now that you and Stettin must seclude yourselves, in order to form the nucleus of the Second Foundation. From there you will cast your nets into the ocean of humanity.† â€Å"Grandfather, what are you saying?† Wanda asked in a whisper. She had left her seat and was kneeling next to Seldon’s chair. â€Å"Do you want me to leave?† â€Å"No, Wanda,† Seldon replied, his voice choked with emotion. â€Å"I don’t want you to leave, but it is the only way. You and Stettin must isolate yourselves from the crude physicality of Trantor. As your mentalic abilities grow stronger, you will attract others to you-the silent and secret Foundation will grow. â€Å"We will be in touch-occasionally, of course. And each of us has a Prime Radiant. You see, don’t you, the truth-and the absolute necessity-of what I am saying, don’t you?† â€Å"Yes, I do, Grandfather,† said Wanda. â€Å"More important, I feel the brilliance of it as well. Rest assured; we won’t let you down.† â€Å"I know you won’t, dear,† Seldon said wearily. How could he do this-how could he send his darling granddaughter away? She was his last link to his happiest days, to Dors, Yugo, and Raych. She was the only other Seldon in the Galaxy. â€Å"I shall miss you terribly, Wanda,† Seldon said as a tear worked its way down his finely creased cheek. â€Å"But, Grandfather,† Wanda said as she stood with Palver, preparing to leave. â€Å"Where shall we go? Where is the Second Foundation?† Seldon looked up and said, â€Å"The Prime Radiant has already told you, Wanda.† Wanda looked at Seldon blankly, searching her memory. Seldon reached out and clutched at his granddaughter’s hand. â€Å"Touch my mind, Wanda. It is there.† Wanda’s eyes widened as she reached into Seldon’s mind. â€Å"I see,† Wanda whispered to Seldon. Section 33A2D17. Star’s End. Part V Epilogue I am Hari Seldon. Former First Minister to Emperor Cleon I. Professor Emeritus of Psychohistory at Streeling University on Trantor. Director of the Psychohistory Research Project. Executive Editor of the Encyclopedia Galactica. Creator of the Foundation. It all sounds quite impressive, I know. I have done a great deal in my eighty-one years and I am tired. Looking back over my life, I wonder if I could have-should have-done certain things differently. For instance: Was I so concerned with the grand sweep of psychohistory that the people and events that intersected my life sometimes seemed inconsequential by comparison? Perhaps I neglected to make some small incidental adjustments here or there that would have in no way compromised the future of humanity but might have dramatically improved the life of an individual dear to me. Yugo, Raych†¦ I can’t help but wonder†¦ Was there something I could have done to save my beloved Dors? Last month I finished recording the Crisis holograms. My assistant, Gaal Dornick, has taken them to Terminus to oversee their installation in the Seldon Vault. He will make sure that the Vault is sealed and that the proper instructions are left for the eventual openings of the Vault, during the Crises. I’ll be dead by then, of course. What will they think, those future Foundationers, when they see me (or, more accurately, my hologram) during the First Crisis, almost fifty years from now? Will they comment on how old I look or how weak my voice is or how small I seem, bundled in this wheelchair? Will they understand-appreciate-the message I’ve left for them? Ah well, there’s really no point in speculating. As the ancients would say: The die is cast. I heard from Gaal yesterday. All is going well on Terminus. Bor Alurin and the Project members are flourishing in â€Å"exile.† I shouldn’t gloat, but I can’t help but chuckle when I recall the self-satisfied look on the face of that pompous idiot Linge Chen when he banished the Project to Terminus two years ago. Although ultimately the exile was couched in terms of an Imperial Charter (â€Å"A state-supported scientific institution and part of the personal domain of His August Majesty, the Emperor†-the Chief Commissioner wanted us off Trantor and out of his hair, but he could not bear the thought of giving up complete control), it is still a source of secret delight to know that it was Las Zenow and I who chose Terminus as Foundation’s home. My one regret where Linge Chen is concerned is that we were not able to save Agis. That Emperor was a good man and a noble leader, even if he was Imperial in name only. His mistake was to believe in his title and the Commission of Public Safety would not tolerate the burgeoning Imperial independence. I often wonder what they did to Agis-was he exiled to some remote Outer World or assassinated like Cleon? The boy-child who sits on the throne today is the perfect puppet Emperor. He obeys every word Linge Chen whispers in his ear and fancies himself a budding statesman. The Palace and trappings of Imperial life are but toys to him in some vast fantastical game. What will I do now? With Gaal finally gone to join the Terminus group, I am utterly alone. I hear from Wanda occasionally. The work at Star’s End continues on course; in the past decade she and Stettin have added dozens of mentalics to their number. They increasingly grow in power. It was the Star’s End contingent-my secret Foundation-who pushed Linge Chen into sending the Encyclopedists to Terminus. I miss Wanda. It has been many years since I’ve seen her, sat with her quietly, holding her hand. When Wanda left, even though I had asked her to go, I thought I would die of heartbreak. That was, perhaps, the most difficult decision I ever had to make and, although I never told her, I almost decided against it. But for the Foundation to succeed, it was necessary for Wanda and Stettin to go to Star’s End. Psychohistory decreed it, so perhaps it wasn’t really my decision, after all. I still come here every day, to my office in the Psychohistory Building. I remember when this structure was filled with people, day and night. Sometimes I feel as if it’s filled with voices, those of my long-departed family, students, colleagues-but the offices are empty and silent. The hallways echo with the whirr of my wheelchair motor. I suppose I should vacate the building, return it to the University to allocate to another department. But somehow it’s hard to let go of this place. There are so many memories†¦ All I have now is this, my Prime Radiant. This is the means by which psychohistory can be computed, through which every equation in my Plan may be analyzed, all here in this amazing, small black cube. As I sit here, this deceptively simple-looking tool in the palm of my hand, I wish I could show it to R. Daneel Olivaw†¦ But I am alone, and need only to close a contact for the office lights to dim. As I settle back in my wheelchair, the Prime Radiant activates, its equations spreading around me in three-dimensional splendor. To the untrained eye, this multicolored swirl would be merely a jumble of shapes and numbers, but for me-and Yugo, Wanda, Gaal-this is psychohistory, come to life. What I see before me, around me, is the future of humanity. Thirty thousand years of potential chaos, compressed into a single millennium†¦ That patch, glowing more strongly day by day, is the Terminus equation. And there-skewed beyond repair-are the Trantor figures. But I can see†¦ yes, softly beaming, a steady light of hope†¦ Star’s End! This-this-was my life’s work. My past-humanity’s future. Foundation. So beautiful, so alive. And nothing can†¦ Dors! SELDON, HARI-†¦ found dead, slumped over his desk in his office at Streeling University in 12,069 G.E. (1 F.E.). Apparently Seldon had been working up to his last moments on psychohistorical equations; his activated Prime Radiant was discovered clutched in his hand†¦ According to Seldon’s instructions, the instrument was shipped to his colleague Gaal Dornick who had recently emigrated to Terminus†¦ Seldon’s body was jettisoned into space, also in accordance with instructions he’d left. The official memorial service on Trantor was simple, though well attended. It is worth noting that Seldon’s old friend former First Minister Eto Demerzel attended the event. Demerzel had not been seen since his mysterious disappearance immediately following the Joranumite Conspiracy during the reign of Emperor Cleon I. Attempts by the Commission of Public Safety to locate Demerzel in the days following the Seldon memorial proved to be unsuccessful†¦ Wanda Seldon, Hari Seldon’s granddaughter, did not attend the ceremony. It was rumored that she was grief-stricken and had refused all public appearances. To this day, her whereabouts from then on remain unknown†¦ It has been said that Hari Seldon left this life as he lived it, for he died with the future he created unfolding all around him†¦ Encyclopedia Galactica [1] All quotations from the Encyclopedia Galactica here reproduced are taken from the 116th Edition, published 1,020 F.E. by the Encyclopedia Galactica Publishing Co., Terminus, with permission of the publishers. How to cite Forward the Foundation Chapter 29, Essay examples