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I, Robot
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March 2025 BOTM - I, Robot
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Hello! My library didn’t have a copy so I’m going to have to order one (unless anyone knows any access to it?) I haven’t seen the movie either so I don’t really know what it’s about. I just remember they talked about it in the show Young Sheldon. Looking forward to it!
I read this when quite young, and fortunately I do have a (Kindle) copy. Anticipating rereading!
I haven't read this or seen the movie, but a friend recommended I read it, so I'm excited!
Thoughts on Ch 1-3Chapter one made me think about the book The Little Prince, where he talks about taming the fox. It made me think about humans and their attachment to inanimate objects in general and how it is easier to develop that attachment as a child and to a human like object. It made me wonder if we create the personality of the inanimate objects or does the inanimate object carry it with them without us knowing. Is the connection only there because the human can receive that personality. I wondered this about my cat once and how before I met him I thought all cats were the same. But now that I owned a cat, he had his unique personality. Did he get this personality because I “tamed” him or did he always have it and I only realized because I got to know him better. I know it’s a lot different compared to an animal and an object but I guess a robot is not really inanimate?
It was also interesting to compare the times with our times and how we never really have this type of robot (from what I’m aware of).
I’m currently reading Descartes and it was funny how he was mentioned in chapter 3. Maybe this book will help me understand philosophy better.
I'm enjoying the book so far. The writing style is smoother than I was expecting, given the sci-fi angle and how old the book is.The "Master" dilemma annoyed me a bit because I dislike it when you can show someone proof of something (the guys building the robot) and that someone refuses to accept it.
It's interesting how they have to work around the Laws sometimes.
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I didn't realize that this was more or a collection of short stories, than a novel.
I've finished the first two chapters. I am not a fan of SciFi and normally avoid it, but I have liked what I've read so far.The writing style makes it very easy to read. I'm thinking about AI and whether the three laws of robotics should be applied there - or maybe AI would change the laws to suit itself.
The Damsel in the Library wrote: "I'm enjoying the book so far. The writing style is smoother than I was expecting, given the sci-fi angle and how old the book is.The "Master" dilemma annoyed me a bit because I dislike it when you..."
I agree, that part reminded me of people debating about religion.
Anne wrote: "I've finished the first two chapters. I am not a fan of SciFi and normally avoid it, but I have liked what I've read so far.The writing style makes it very easy to read. I'm thinking about AI and..."
I'm also not a SciFi reader but I like it so far too. Interesting point about the AI and how far can rules go...
Thoughts on Ch 4-5It seems as though, a lot of the problems occurring with the robots is based on their dedication to the three laws of robotics. It also seems as they are advancing beyond the comprehension of their creators, the humans. I noticed, concerning the humans, they get offended by the robot’s “superiority”. Wouldn’t they be more curious towards their own production? The last chapter was interesting because it was about psychological protection rather than physical. The robots abiding the number one rule results in an ethical dilemma. I don’t know if I’m reading too into it but the story is making me reflect!
It seems like this whole book is less about the story possibilities and more a thought experiment on how it would look if robots existed and what kinds of laws you'd want to have to prevent them from taking over. How much power and autonomy should they have and is it ultimately worth the struggle and money to maintain them?I'm still enjoying it, especially the parts when they have to figure out how to fix a problem.
My favourite chapters have been Chapter 3, "Reason" and Chapter 5 "Liar!".When I read chapter 3 I started to wonder about Asimov's religious beliefs because it reminded me a lot of some very dogmatic religious people that I know who believe no matter what. That led me on to think about people who believe some of the conspiracy theories that do the rounds, especially related to Covid and vaccines. Regardless of the evidence presented they have a sort of "false logic" that it's very hard to disprove. So logic doesn't always lead to truth.
Chapter 5 made me think of discussions I hear about how moral and ethical "white lies", untruths told so a person doesn't feel hurt, are.
The more I read of this book, the more I think that Asimov is writing about his thoughts on humans and our behaviour.
Anne wrote: "My favourite chapters have been Chapter 3, "Reason" and Chapter 5 "Liar!".When I read chapter 3 I started to wonder about Asimov's religious beliefs because it reminded me a lot of some very dogm..."
Good point on the "false logic".
I thought he was writing about human behavior as well!
I'm working on a review for my Substack (it'll be out on Friday), but I can say that I liked it. First Asimov and I will definitely try more of his work in the future.
The Damsel in the Library wrote: "I've posted my review. Love to hear your thoughts!https://damselinthelibrary.substack.c..."
I like how you saw the novel like a mystery book, I hadn’t seen it that way. I also like your point on how we don’t see the occurrences through the main character necessarily and this perspective keeps it as a reflection on the project as a whole. This style makes the reader contemplate this whole new world we are unfamiliar with from a further distance and also helps us reflect on the basic human behaviors. I also enjoyed the parts looking at the future from the past. It was funny how they smoked around these machines, which is something we don’t really see nowadays. It was interesting how “robots” still don’t technically exist like how this book or others movies describe them in real life. Great review!
Mix wrote: "The Damsel in the Library wrote: "I've posted my review. Love to hear your thoughts!https://damselinthelibrary.substack.c..."
I like how you saw the novel like a mystery boo..."
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
The winner of the vote for the March 2025 Book of the Month is: I, Robot by Issac Asimov.
I do not have a copy of the book yet, but I will create a rough reading schedule for now without page numbers, that I may update at a later point.
Here are the chapter names for reference:
1. Robbie
2. Runaround
3. Reason
4. Catch That Rabbit
5. Liar!
6. Little Lost Robot
7. Escape!
8. Evidence
9. The Evitable Conflict
I have not read this before. I think I saw the movie, but I have no recollection of it. :-)
Cheers,
Ian