Seems like every Science Fiction novel I read that was written in the 1960's or 1970's they seem to substitute story for social and philosophical issues. Foundation is no different, while this book has a very interesting take on a shifting society; I found the story and the characters very flat. While I didn't like this aspect of the book there fast paced; rise of the foundation was really great. Don't read this for the story; read this book for an interesting social aspects and the effects change has on mankind.