“When I read about the way in which library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that American society has found one more way to destroy itself.”
- January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992
- Born in Russia
- Author, biochemist (professor)
- Wrote many science fiction works, including the Foundation series and the Robotics series
Quote
“When I read about the way in which library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that American society has found one more way to destroy itself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Asimov expresses his deep concern about the diminishing support for libraries, which he sees as a reflection of a broader societal problem. Libraries, for Asimov, represent not just repositories of books, but the preservation of knowledge, education, and intellectual freedom. Cutting funding to libraries, he argues, is a self-destructive move for any society that wishes to remain informed, progressive, and intellectually vibrant. The reduction of access to information undermines one of the most important pillars of democracy, which relies on an educated populace capable of critical thinking and informed decision-making. For Asimov, this reflected a disturbing trend in American society, where intellectual pursuits are undervalued in favor of more immediate or superficial concerns.
Asimov, who was a passionate advocate for knowledge and rational thought, saw libraries as essential for fostering intellectual growth and supporting the free exchange of ideas. Born in 1920, during a time when access to education and literature was increasingly seen as critical to the future of humanity, Asimov believed that libraries served as democratic institutions that allowed everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, to access the tools for learning and personal development. The cutting of library funding therefore symbolized a worsening of societal priorities, in which the value of knowledge and education was seen as expendable.
In today’s world, Asimov’s critique remains particularly relevant, especially as libraries continue to face challenges from budget cuts and digital transformation. While technology has opened up new ways of accessing information, libraries continue to play a critical role in offering free access to educational resources, community engagement, and digital literacy. The ongoing financial strain on libraries, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, serves as a warning that without proper investment in public knowledge infrastructure, society risks deepening inequality and hindering progress. Asimov’s words remind us that the health of a society depends not just on its ability to generate wealth, but on its commitment to education, learning, and the preservation of intellectual resources.
