“Astounding Science Fiction,” July 1957. Cover art by Kelly Freas for “Profession” by Isaac Asimov.
“Some people just can’t be taught, no matter what method you use. Even the Education Tape machine failed on some abnormal individuals . . .” [Prologue]
"Profession" delves into the nature of education and individuality in a future society. In the sixty-sixth century, Earth has adopted a centralized education system where children are "taped" with knowledge directly into their brains through a computer interface. This process determines each person's professional specialty based on an analysis of their brain, leaving no room for personal choice. The most successful individuals compete in professional "Olympics," aiming to be chosen by advanced Outworlds, as remaining on Earth signifies failure.
The story follows George Platen, who dreams of becoming a Computer Programmer, a highly sought-after profession. However, on his Education Day, George is deemed unfit for any form of Education and is sent to a House for the Feeble Minded. Despite not being under physical restraint, he remains there for a year, indulging in philosophical and intellectual discussions with the staff and a man named Omani, who takes an interest in George's situation.
George's journey takes a turn when he decides to escape and confront Dr. Antonelli, the man who labeled him feeble-minded. His adventure leads him to the Olympics in San Francisco, where he encounters his friend Armand Trevelyan, who has been Taped as a Metallurgist but faces disappointment. George's own fate takes an unexpected twist when a stranger intervenes during a confrontation, revealing new possibilities and challenging the very foundations of society's approach to education and profession. [Sources: Wikipedia, AsimovReviews.net and Bing Copilot]
“Astounding Science Fiction,” July 1957. Cover art by Kelly Freas for “Profession” by Isaac Asimov.
“Some people just can’t be taught, no matter what method you use. Even the Education Tape machine failed on some abnormal individuals . . .” [Prologue]
"Profession" delves into the nature of education and individuality in a future society. In the sixty-sixth century, Earth has adopted a centralized education system where children are "taped" with knowledge directly into their brains through a computer interface. This process determines each person's professional specialty based on an analysis of their brain, leaving no room for personal choice. The most successful individuals compete in professional "Olympics," aiming to be chosen by advanced Outworlds, as remaining on Earth signifies failure.
The story follows George Platen, who dreams of becoming a Computer Programmer, a highly sought-after profession. However, on his Education Day, George is deemed unfit for any form of Education and is sent to a House for the Feeble Minded. Despite not being under physical restraint, he remains there for a year, indulging in philosophical and intellectual discussions with the staff and a man named Omani, who takes an interest in George's situation.
George's journey takes a turn when he decides to escape and confront Dr. Antonelli, the man who labeled him feeble-minded. His adventure leads him to the Olympics in San Francisco, where he encounters his friend Armand Trevelyan, who has been Taped as a Metallurgist but faces disappointment. George's own fate takes an unexpected twist when a stranger intervenes during a confrontation, revealing new possibilities and challenging the very foundations of society's approach to education and profession. [Sources: Wikipedia, AsimovReviews.net and Bing Copilot]