The Galactic Empire
The story of the Galactic Empire, as outlined in Foundation and subsequent novels, is an allegory for the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Hamish People
The Hamish people are an allegory for the Amish people, their religion, and their daily lives.
The Second Foundation
The Second Foundation is an allegory for the founding of Christianity.
The Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire is symbolic of civilization's attempt to maintain civility, structure, and culture throughout the galaxy.
Humanity's Ideal Future
A common motif in Foundation revolves around a question that people ask each other: what does humanity's ideal future involve?