Although Asimov was actually trying to predict the future here, SF writers generally aren't in the prediction business—they are in the speculation business[1] (

Although Asimov was actually trying to predict the future here, SF writers generally aren't in the prediction business—they are in the speculation business[1] (many modern SF writers claim the 'S' in SF would be for 'Speculation' rather than 'Science'). I find it unfair when SF writers are held to account for their more fanciful speculations—they should be free to ask "What if?" without later ridicule. [1] In reality, they are in the entertainment business and should therefore be allowed to entertain without later ridicule, too.