A review by fantasticfiction
Nightfall by Isaac Asimov
3.0
"Mankind has always feared what it doesn't understand." - Magneto, X-Men (2000). This statement stands true in the story. Though I really enjoyed the story and its parallels with the real world, I also observed the serious lack of diverse opinions. But of course, this book cleverly points out the vulnerability of human existence and how in the end we are all "just a bunch of gibbering idiots."
The book points out at the faults and patriarchal tones of the ones considered rational and logical— the scientists, who have little to no regards for the humankind and see women as mere "breeding agency" and even undermine the cultists' stories narrated by the female nurse. Even as a loud atheist, Issac Asimov has given the cultists a voice we weren't expecting. Although blinded by faith and extremism, they aren't very different from the scientists and even in some sense, the scientists are even more dangerous. Even the psychologist who understands the dangers of fear and claustrophobia is unable to control himself when exposed to the same. The scientific method is shown to be data-oriented and limited but never 'solution-orientated'. Both the scientist and cultists don't care about finding the solution. They shamelessly disregard human life as invaluable either in the name of rationality or faith. And we all can relate to this even more in today's scenario where researchers are influenced by the companies to favour their potentially dangerous products.
As one of the greatest pioneers of the science-fiction we are blessed with today, 'Nightfall' is without a doubt a book written for the ones who have found their solace in the mysteries of the universe and are in want of looking beyond.
FUN FACT: The idea for "Nightfall" was actually suggested to Asimov by his editor who quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature : "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God?" So, the opening lines of the story were actually the true inspiration for the story.
The book points out at the faults and patriarchal tones of the ones considered rational and logical— the scientists, who have little to no regards for the humankind and see women as mere "breeding agency" and even undermine the cultists' stories narrated by the female nurse. Even as a loud atheist, Issac Asimov has given the cultists a voice we weren't expecting. Although blinded by faith and extremism, they aren't very different from the scientists and even in some sense, the scientists are even more dangerous. Even the psychologist who understands the dangers of fear and claustrophobia is unable to control himself when exposed to the same. The scientific method is shown to be data-oriented and limited but never 'solution-orientated'. Both the scientist and cultists don't care about finding the solution. They shamelessly disregard human life as invaluable either in the name of rationality or faith. And we all can relate to this even more in today's scenario where researchers are influenced by the companies to favour their potentially dangerous products.
As one of the greatest pioneers of the science-fiction we are blessed with today, 'Nightfall' is without a doubt a book written for the ones who have found their solace in the mysteries of the universe and are in want of looking beyond.
FUN FACT: The idea for "Nightfall" was actually suggested to Asimov by his editor who quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature : "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God?" So, the opening lines of the story were actually the true inspiration for the story.