"University" (pp. 49-64) Summary

Seldon is uncomfortable with Hummin's statement. Psychohistory is no more than a mathematical game, and he lacks the historical grounding to go forward. Still, it is hard to accept that the 10,000-year-old Galactic Empire is dying. It has survived rebellions, dynastic wars, and other troubles barely scathed. The last four centuries have been harder, but worlds remain prosperous under the last two emperors. Few dislike Cleon, but many inveigh against Demerzel. Hummin must know Galactic history in detail to speak with such conviction. Seldon believes in the co-eternity of Empire and Universe and does not want to be dissuaded. For psychohistory to be practical one would have to understand the complex histories of twenty-five million worlds and how each and every one acts, reacts, and interacts with all others. Seldon quit skimming the one dull history book-film...