# Silly Asses explained — Short Science Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

## What happens

Naron, a long-lived Rigellian keeper of Galactic records, learns that Earth has achieved thermonuclear power but conducts tests on its own planet, leading him to cross it out of the book of mature races as an unprecedented act of judgment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Technological Progress and Its Risks

Earth's attainment of thermonuclear power is seen as a sign of maturity, but testing on their own planet reveals a dangerous lack of foresight.

## Character check-ins

### Naron

The ancient Rigellian keeper of Galactic records who judges Earth's maturity.

## Key lines

> Silly asses

Foolish beings

_Naron's final judgment on Earth's self-destructive behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/silly-asses
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters