Bill Moyers: A World of Ideas - Writers Season 1 Episode 2 Isaac Asimov (Part 1)

Bill Moyers: A World of Ideas - Writers is an American television series that features Bill Moyers speaking with some of the most creative thinkers, poets, novelists and playwrights of our time. In season 1, episode 2, the focus of the conversation is on science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode discussing Asimov's career, ideas and writings.

The episode begins with Bill Moyers explaining how Isaac Asimov's writings were instrumental in shaping the lives of many Americans, particularly in the 1960s. Moyers explains that Asimov's stories and novels opened up new worlds to readers and inspired many to pursue careers in science and technology.

The discussion moves on to Asimov's life, beginning with his childhood. Asimov was born in Russia, but his family immigrated to the United States when he was just three years old. Moyers and Asimov talk about Asimov's early years growing up in New York City, and the challenges his family faced as immigrants. Asimov explains how his love for books grew from his experiences as a child, and how his parents encouraged him to read and learn as much as possible.

The conversation turns to Asimov's first published story, "Marooned Off Vesta", which appeared in Amazing Stories in 1939. Asimov talks about his love for science fiction and how he became interested in writing. He also explains how his early stories were heavily influenced by the works of H.G. Wells and other science fiction writers of that era.

Asimov and Moyers then discuss Asimov's most famous series, the Foundation series. Asimov describes how he came up with the idea for the series, which takes place in a distant future where humanity has spread throughout the galaxy. Asimov explains how he wanted to explore the idea of a society based on science and reason, and how he used the Foundation series to do just that.

The episode concludes with Asimov and Moyers discussing Asimov's legacy. They talk about how Asimov's stories and novels inspired generations of readers, and how some of his ideas have even come true. Asimov explains how he never saw himself as a science fiction writer, but rather as a writer who happened to write science fiction.

Overall, this episode of Bill Moyers: A World of Ideas - Writers is a fascinating look at the life and work of Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential science fiction writers of the 20th century. The conversation between Moyers and Asimov is insightful and engaging, and provides a great introduction to Asimov's writing and ideas.