After getting partway through book one of the foundation trilogy I had a unique revelation. (Partial Spoilers). The idea of the foundation and how it functions draws a lot of comparisons to the God of Christianity. Not sure if anyone else got this when reading but I’ve come to understand the logic of Hari Seldon—the originator of the Foundation project—in not being able to tell anyone really anything over the course of their journey. He could not give much advice or clues about how to overcome each crisis because it would introduce variables that would make it impossible for them to succeed. When you think about it, the first 50 years that they committed to logging history was a complete diversion. Similarly in the midst of their second crisis everyone began turning on Mayor Harden because they were essentially on the brink of war and annihilation and the whole time dude is completely calm. He had no worry because he kept faith in the plan. He understood that the only solution will become apparent when everything seems at its brink. Not sure if anyone reading this is overtly religious but it is the same logic shown in the Bible.
There is a reason why we cannot see the future because it would lead us astray. This is also the same reason we can’t always be bombarded with information and understanding all the time. I kind of believe that like Harden’s critics unbelief wastes time because it’s a diversion meant to steer us away from the path and into failure during crisis.
Anyway, if you’re still here (kinda a long post) these books are amazing, and love the short story format. I’d say if things are ever uncertain try to limit all other factors so that only one path(the right path) remains. It may seem like everything’s crumbling but really a way is being cleared for you.
by Raydashray