Synopsis
John Harman plans to go into space, despite the condemnation of the Churches.
History
First publication: Astounding July 1939
Review
An excellent short story. This is a prime example of how science fiction can conduct thought experiments on how society and individuals may react to future scientific progress. It also mirrors some of the political struggles we have seen between religion and science. Obviously Asimov sides with science here, but he does point out that scientists need to have a social conscience.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
The Great SF Stories 1 (1939), edited by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg, paperback, DAW Books, 1979-03-00
The Early Asimov, hardcover, Doubleday / SFBC, 1972-12-00
Astounding Science-Fiction, July 1939, edited by John W. Campbell, Jr., magazine, Street & Smith, 1939-07-00
