The Last Answer by Isaac Asimov

What hackers pick instead

• The Last Question by Isaac AsimovA short Asimov story about a question asked across vast spans of time, recommended for its ending and for how often readers return to it. Some critics find the ending trite and the reveal obtuse.50recommend
• There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray BradburyRecommended for its vivid, unsettling story of a smart house that keeps running after its family is gone; critics find the prose flowery and the predictions now dated.27recommend
• They're Made Out of Meat by Terry BissonA short, witty story about aliens puzzling over humans that people reread and recommend for its sharp commentary on AI. Critics find the 'made out of meat' wording and the short film adaptation weaker.17recommend
• Lena by qntmRecommended as a short, dark science fiction story about whole brain emulation that readers find brilliant and unsettling. Some say it reads as dated now.16recommend
• The Machine Stops by E. M. ForsterRecommended as a short, prescient story that anticipated instant messaging, social media and dependence on technology. It is public domain, so it is free to read.15recommend

Every quote

The 3 most detailed of 5 comments. Each links to the original.

1. Its a much richer, and also darker, work than The Last Question.

   Recommends · Apr 2026 · in “Isaac Asimov: The Last Question”

2. that one still evokes a "whoa" when I think about it

   Recommends · Apr 2026 · in “Isaac Asimov: The Last Question”

3. good dichotomy of stories

   Recommends · Apr 2026 · in “Isaac Asimov: The Last Question”