"The Foundation" is an entity operating in secrecy worldwide, burdened with the task of containing a world that should not exist. A world that defies every truth known to mankind, many that would shatter social stability in an instant. With the promise to protect our world from such a catastrophe, the Foundation is entrusted by every major world government to operate beyond jurisdiction with nearly limitless resources. "Mankind must not go back to hiding in fear. No one else will protect us, and we must stand up for ourselves. While the rest of mankind dwells in the light, we must stand in the darkness to fight it, contain it, and shield it from the eyes of the public, so that others may live in a sane and normal world. We secure. We contain. We protect."