I am searching for a quotation.

I thought it came from Isaac Asimov, but it may be from another
published American science fiction author.

The quotation, paraphrased, was to the effect that he was like a
roadsign, pointing to the future, but not going there himself.

I am looking for the wording and the source material.

I believe the Asimov quote you're looking for is this one:

"I frequently refer to myself as a signpost that points the way, but
stays in one place. I sometimes mean it literally, for I do not fly
and hate to travel. Though I talk about all the marvels of far places
(to the very outermost quasar), I nevertheless don't budge from
Manhattan."

(Transcribed from page 160 of "Yours, Isaac Asimov: A Lifetime of
Letters," ISBN: 0385476248.)

I hope this is precisely what you need! If not, please request
clarification; I'll gladly offer further assistance before you rate my
answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you.

Dear bartkid-ga,

I think you are correct with Asimov, but I cannot tie it down. In 1981
he wrote some predictions in science fiction which was titled ?I am a
Signpost.? He made later reference to this in The Roving Mind, 1997,
p331.
In the case of the former I cannot find it online, and the latter
needs a registration with Questa.

Perhaps a researcher with the book in their collection may be able to
answer this - unless of course, this is sufficient for an answer.


Isaac Asimov, "I Am a Signpost" 
http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=3243819482210&lang=en-US

I Am a Signpost
    Subject: Asimov's early predictions in his science fiction stories
    First Published In: Nov-81, Popular Computing
    Collection(s):

        * 1983 The Roving Mind
http://www.asimovonline.com/oldsite/Essays/other_essays.html


The Roving Mind
Book by Isaac Asimov; Prometheus Books, 1997 
Chapter 58, p331 - I am a signpost.
http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=91787319

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573921815/ref=nosim/002-4736561-9400011?camp=2025&dev-t=D26XECQVNV6NDQ&link%5Fcode=xm2&n=283155

answerfinder-ga

Well done Pink, I knew you would find it.