Lisung Randa is a character in Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
About Lisung[]
Lisung Randa was a psychology professor at Streeling University on Trantor during the reign of Emperor Cleon I. The nephew of the famous Hoparian mathematician Kiangtow Randa.
Randa first met Seldon at Streeling University, where he expressed fascination with Seldon's developing psychohistory theory. He recommended Seldon join Dr. Jenarr Leggen's meteorological expedition to Trantor's Upper Edge, suggesting that exposure to Trantor's atmospheric systems might provide valuable analogies for social mathematics. This recommendation ultimately led to Seldon's near-fatal experience with the suspicious meteorological reactor.
During their conversations, Randa shared anecdotes about his home planet Hopara, including a childhood game practice involved throwing small sticks and pretending to read fortunes from their patterns. He suggested this game exemplified fundamental patterns of human behavior that might interest a psychohistorian. These conversations revealed Randa's innovative approach to psychology, blending traditional academic methods with unconventional observational techniques.
Following Seldon's disappearance on the Upper Edge, Randa initially fell under suspicion due to his role in arranging the expedition. Dors Venabili investigated his possible involvement, particularly examining whether he might have connections to anti-Imperial factions seeking to eliminate Seldon. The investigation revealed that while Randa maintained connections to various academic and political circles through his uncle's influence, there was no evidence linking him to the assassination attempt.
Randa cooperated fully with Venabili's investigation, providing detailed accounts of his recommendations and interactions with Seldon. He expressed genuine concern for Seldon's safety and provided insights into university politics that helped Venabili understand the complex social dynamics at play. His testimony helped eliminate Streeling University itself as the source of the threat, redirecting the investigation toward external forces.
Randa's work focused on comparative social psychology across different Trantorian sectors and planetary cultures. His research on Hoparan social structures, particularly the microgravity adaptation behaviors he witnessed in his youth, contributed to the understanding of how environmental factors shape human social interaction. Though his appearance in the narrative was brief, he represented the sophisticated academic community that thrived on Trantor despite the Empire's gradual decay.
Appearances[]