I recently read I, Robot, a book collection of mini stories written by Isaac Asimov in 1950′s. The screenplay that came out quite a few years ago harboring the same title was loosely based upon some of the themes from the shorts, but did not follow any certain plot from the stories. While the screenplay was enjoyable, it failed, in the opinion of myself, to harness the feel of the original text and themes Isaac was trying to unveil. Asimov’s body of work is considered a monument in the science fiction world, and his Robot Series is some of his abslolute best work. This book is a highly recommended read. And if you don’t want the read tainted, please do not go any further.
I, Robot (the book) tells the story of the creation of a robotic race, for lack of a better term, created initially as a work force for people, and the problems that arise as this race integrates into humanity. For safety, every robot is programmed with three basic laws,
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law
The overall main of the shorts explain how different robots, as they become more aware, interpret these so called Laws, and how those interpretations begin to affect our world. As the shorts rear their close, there are a few humans that begin to notice the robots have assumed ever more power and control over the world, both in an economical and political sense. Most things have become more efficient with less poverty and upgraded rules. The world overall is a safer and better place, because robots have become far more knowledgeable, and seem to be less evil than their human couterparts. In one of the final scenes, we are surprised to learn that the robots had been doing this purposely, because they wanted to fulfill the First Law. They are controlling because they realize humans are more safe and comfortable in their hands than our own. This is when they begin to cover the fact that they have gained power, because our realization of loss of control would hit us on an emotional level, and that would be a breach in rule regulation of the First Law. For this reason, humans must never come to realize the robots were in control.
This is why Isaac is such a genius. He realized something profound about the human race. It seems we would rather take control of our own lives, all well knowing it is not greatest life possible.
Parents, I’m sure you have quoted the phrase “This is for your own good”. This phrase is usually trailed by the parent having the child do something they hate, like cleaning their room. The child may understand that the parent is right, but they don’t quite understand why. They choose to resist as long as they can. The reasoning… they are being forced to do so. They seem to grasp for control, even if keeping that power means facing severe consequences down the road.
In a lot of ways, none of us really grow up. I still cross this in regards to my own existence. I reach for power and flail to try and understand things that are most times way too far ahead of me. I realize I am not blessed with the wisdom to call all the shots in my own life, but I keep trying it anyway. I understand the meaning to trust and see when doing so would benefit my life, but I still find it difficult to allow myself to do so. It is much easier to execute something when it originates in my imagination first .
I, Robot the book showcased just how great Asimov is. In his words, he realized he could use robots to challenge humanity. He was able to interlock insight and creativeness to release something that was incredible and fascinating and above all forced all of us to use our minds.
