Pester 1

Jonah Pester
Martin
Hour 7
25 February 2016
A Branch of Humanity
It is said that what you make resembles yourself. Whether you compose music, write
literature, or paint canvases, the product is a reflection of you. Regardless, this principle applies
to all creations, even the manufacturing of robots. Whilst it may seem that talking robots have a
mind of their own, they are simply a mirror of their creator, the human. In I, Robot, Isaac Asimov
portrays robots as personifying human characteristics through religion, ethics, and emotion.
In the short story Reason, robot QT-1 explores religious concepts similar to humans.
When first discovering his being, Cutie wonders, But where do I come in () you havent
explained my existence (Asimov 59). Cutie trying to reason his existence shows how he
demonstrates human thinking in regards to religion. According to Cutie, no being can create
another being superior to itself and therefore [his] creator must be more powerful than [him]
(63). Like humans, QT-1 is hypothesizing that there is a creator more powerful than himself.
Additionally, when QT-1 takes command of the asteroid base, he enlightens his fellow robots by
preach[ing] truth () They call [him] prophet (66). QT-1 resembling a prophet reflects one of
humanitys many trends in religion. By illustrating QT-1, Asimov personifies humanitys
religious beliefs.

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Besides QT-1s similar religious outlook, robot Herbie presents humanitys moral
dilemma with lying. When Calvin asks about Milton Ashes relationship status, Herbie gives
exactly the answer that [Calvin] want[s] to hear (131). Herbie telling Calvin a lie in order to
preserve her feelings parallels with humanitys form of a white lie. As a result of the lie however,
Herbie feels a sense of guilt when alone: Herbie turned slowly () but there was no one to read
his thoughts (119). Herbie not being able to admit his lie shows how his fib manifests into
internal conflict which is similar to the backlashes of humanitys lies. Moreover, when Calvin,
Bogert, and Lanning find out that Herbie has been lying to them, he tries to seek forgiveness in
order to patch his broken friendships. He goes as far as to say, I didnt mean it, I tell you! () I
told you what you wanted to hear. I had to. (134). Herbies last ditch effort to find a remedy
after he is accused of lying is similar to what most humans do when their lie has been uncovered.
By portraying Herbie, Asimov parallels humanitys moral conflicts with lying.
In addition to Herbies portrayal of human lying, robot Robbie mirrors human emotion.
While playing hide-and-seek and running away from Gloria, Gloria shouts, I can beat [Robbie]
any day (2) and in response, Robbie didnt answer [in words] but rather inch[ed] away
[from] Gloria (2). Through Robbies gesture, one can parallel Robbies annoyance with human
annoyance from childlike behavior. Similarly, when Gloria accuses Robbie of cheating, Robbie
[is] hurt at the unjust accusation and sh[akes] his head ponderously from side to side (4).
Based off Robbies reaction to Glorias comment, the reader can tell Robbie understands human
pain and irritation. Although it may seem that Robbie is impatient with Glorias behavior, he
does love her and is her friend. After saving Glorias life from a tractor accident, Robbies
chrome-steel- arms wound about the little girl gently and lovingly (28). By showing Robbies

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care and affection for Gloria, it is clear that Robbie reflects humanitys love emotion as well.
Through Robbies personality, Asimov displays human emotion through his character.
By portraying robots with religion, morals, and emotion, Asimov shows how robots are a
reflection of humanity. Although robots seem like an autonomous race, they are simply a branch
of humanity. It is not just robots that represent humanity however, everything that people have
constructed is a branch of themselves. Ultimately, all things that have been created resemble their
creator.