Isaac Asimov

Date of Birth: January 2, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: April 6, 1992

Biography

Isaac Asimov was a prolific Russian-born American author and biochemist, best known for his works of science fiction and popular science. Born on January 2, 1920, in Petrovichi, Russia, Asimov immigrated with his family to the United States when he was just three years old. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his parents ran a candy store. Asimov’s interest in science and literature blossomed early, leading him to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1948. Asimov’s literary career began in earnest with the publication of his short stories in science fiction magazines in the late 1930s. He is perhaps best known for the “Foundation” series, the “Galactic Empire” series, and the “Robot” series, which includes his famous “Three Laws of Robotics.” Over the course of his life, Asimov wrote or edited more than 500 books, covering a wide range of genres and topics. In addition to his fiction, Asimov was a respected science writer, producing numerous popular science books that helped to explain complex scientific concepts to the general public. He was a professor of biochemistry at Boston University, where he taught and conducted research. Asimov’s influence on both science fiction and science education remains profound, and his works continue to be celebrated for their imagination, insight, and accessibility.

5 Interesting Facts about Isaac Asimov

1. Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics” have become fundamental principles in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence.

2. Asimov was a member of Mensa, the high IQ society, though he reportedly found the organization to be filled with “aggressive intellectual show-offs.”

3. He had a fear of flying and rarely traveled by plane, preferring to stay close to home and travel by train or car when necessary.

4. Asimov was a highly prolific writer, producing an average of 1.7 books per month during his peak years.

5. He was awarded the prestigious Hugo Award multiple times and was named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1987.