Asimov’s Fear of Humans (Evidence and Little Lost Robot)

“To insult someone we call him 'bestial. For deliberate cruelty and nature, 'human' might be the greater insult” – Isaac Asimov (IMBD – Isaac Asimov Biography).

            

           The “Frankenstein Complex” (fear of robots) appears in both short stories. Dr. Calvin expresses concern over the missing Nestor, and Quinn identifies the issues of a robot politician. The public has “prejudice” against the use of robots beyond earth, and the Fundamentalists require “no new reason to detest robots” (“Evidence” 212, 225). While Asimov presents this expected fear, a greater fear appears to underlie this shell. Asimov’s true fear may be of humans.

          
           Let us differentiate between human and humanity. Humanity encompasses our idealized virtues: proper morals, care, etc. Human includes the condition that our quest for humanity is marred by vices like corruption and self-interest.

           Asimov articulates this fear of humans through Dr. Calvin. She recognizes that the Three Laws “are the essential guiding principles of…the world’s ethical systems” (“Evidence” 221). Consequently, she asserts that a perfect robot is “a very good man” (“Evidence” 221). Calvin’s favoritism for robots over humans silences her suspicion of Byerley because she believes a robot “capable of being a civil executive…[would] make the best one possible” (“Evidence” 237). Thus, Asimov suggests that the perfect robot is really closer to humanity than humans.

           Calvin only expresses fear over the Nestor in “Little Lost Robot” because it’s more human than robot. The Nestor exhibits a “superiority complex” and, due to its modified First Law, chooses to manipulate the other robots and lie to the humans in order to prove its ability. Prideful intelligence, lies, manipulation, and choice are all human elements. Thus, Calvin truly fears human vices, not robotic perfection.

          Therefore, the Three Laws make robots closer to humanity than humans. Yet, humans create the robots and their idealized Laws. The creators essentially gave their creations the potential to become what they could not. Is it justified to fear the possibility of our creation becoming what we wish to be? Furthermore, is there some element of humanity (not italicized) that perhaps includes the human struggle with imperfection?