Description
Isaac Asimov (1920-92) Signed "Life and Energy" Typescript, “Isaac Asimov", 8.5 x 11, 2 pgs., large signature in blue ballpoint, by the American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. He was known for his works of science fiction and popular science. Asimov was a prolific writer who wrote or edited more than 500 books. The typescript is excerpted from Asimov's 1962 book "Life and Energy", which is an exploration of the physical and chemical basis of modern biology. In Part: "Man is very aware, naturally, of the difference between himself and other objects in the world about him. In almost all cultures, he considers himself the peak of creation; less, perhaps than gods, demons, angels, and other being that are more than natural; but certainly greater and more important than anything he can see and touch. Yet the difference between man and non-man is not an unvarying gulf. There exist degrees of separation. There are many things in great variety that share with man the faculty we call 'life'...the seed too is a miracle of activity...But to do something in response to environmental factors, rather than simply to suffer its blows passively, requires the making of an effort. This 'making of an effort' is a rather subtle concept...Even the quiescent plant world makes what we would instantly accept as an effort: when a flower opens, when a shoot extends upwards toward the light or a root makes its way downward toward water...If we begin by assuming that all living objects can make an effort, we can next ask in what way man can differentiate himself, in this respect, from other living creatures...." In fine condition, with a paper clip impression at the top of both pages.
$350 #12162
