Living Space by Isaac Asimov Episode #148

Isaac Asimov | November 25, 2023

Living Space by Isaac Asimov Episode #148
Isaac Asimov

LIVING SPACE

Episode #148 · Written by Isaac Asimov · Narrated by Scott Miller

In the infinite lattice of parallel Earths, every human enjoys a planet all their own. But when strange noises echo through Clarence Rimbro’s private paradise, the illusion of solitude begins to fracture—and what he discovers could redefine humanity’s place in the multiverse.

The dream of endless room to grow has finally come true. In Isaac Asimov’s Living Space, humanity has mastered the art of probability travel—unlocking infinite Earths, each empty and waiting for settlement. Every family can claim an entire planet, complete with sunlight, solitude, and the illusion of peace. Accountant Clarence Rimbro enjoys his perfect isolation—until his wife hears a strange rumble under the artificial sky. In a cosmos of infinite possibilities, one uninvited sound can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.

Asimov explores the paradox of abundance: when there are infinite worlds, what happens when two civilizations choose the same one? The story blends speculative physics with social satire, touching on bureaucracy, complacency, and humanity’s blind faith in its own systems. Beneath its clean, technical precision lies a quiet dread—the notion that our greatest innovations may open doors we never meant to unlock.

First appearing in Science Fiction Stories in 1956, Living Space remains a quintessential example of mid-century speculative fiction. Asimov’s writing glides between humor and unease, turning mathematical certainty into existential doubt. It’s a story that still feels futuristic today, because the questions it raises—about expansion, ethics, and the arrogance of progress—are timeless.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) was a Russian-born American author and biochemist whose scientific insight and narrative clarity redefined modern science fiction. From his Robot tales and the Foundation Saga to hundreds of essays on astronomy, history, and technology, Asimov championed rational thought and the power of curiosity. He won multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards, and his influence continues to ripple through literature, film, and science itself. Living Space exemplifies his mastery: speculative, ironic, and startlingly prophetic.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to Living Space by Isaac Asimov — a classic science fiction tale exploring infinite Earths, human ambition, and the dangers of limitless expansion in vintage sci-fi style

ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST

The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 34 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 3.3 million listens, introducing classic science fiction to a global audience of devoted fans.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

What listeners are saying:

★★★★★ “Far out! I’m really enjoying your story telling of vintage sci-fi. I have been pleasantly entertained by your back stories and amounts of historical information. So informative, entertaining, and enlightening! Thank you for this gem!”
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★★★★★ “By far the most bang for buck short stories podcast. I’ve listened to a ton of short story podcasts over the years, I can safely say, this is a keeper. I come every week to listen to the latest gem posted on this podcast. The narrator makes it extra special with his performance taking the listener to the universe of the story.”
—Mo _ San

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.