I, Robot
Jun 2004 · The Robot Series Book 1 · Spectra
4.5star
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304
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About this ebook
This classic science fiction masterwork by Isaac Asimov weaves stories about robots, humanity, and the deep questions of existence into a novel of shocking intelligence and heart.
“A must-read for science-fiction buffs and literature enjoyers alike.”—The Guardian
I, Robot, the first and most widely read book in Asimov’s Robot series, forever changed the world’s perception of artificial intelligence. Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-reading robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world—all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asimov’s trademark.
The Three Laws of Robotics:
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 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.
With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov formulated the laws governing robots’ behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future—a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.
“Tremendously exciting and entertaining . . . Asimov dramatizes an interesting question: How can we live with machines that, generation by generation, grow more intelligent than their creators and not eventually clash with our own invention?”—The Chicago Tribune
“A must-read for science-fiction buffs and literature enjoyers alike.”—The Guardian
I, Robot, the first and most widely read book in Asimov’s Robot series, forever changed the world’s perception of artificial intelligence. Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-reading robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world—all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asimov’s trademark.
The Three Laws of Robotics:
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 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.
With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov formulated the laws governing robots’ behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future—a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.
“Tremendously exciting and entertaining . . . Asimov dramatizes an interesting question: How can we live with machines that, generation by generation, grow more intelligent than their creators and not eventually clash with our own invention?”—The Chicago Tribune
Ratings and reviews
4.5
519 reviews
A Google user
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September 16, 2011
I won't lie, I got this book because I had seen the movie and thought that it was good. After reading through it for a bit, I quickly realized that the movie was only loosely based on the book. Frankly, the book was better. The movie was typically full of flashy distractions and Will Smith being Will Smith, but the book really allowed Asimov's idea's about robots and their effect on human society to shine through. I found it really interesting that the humans were so dramatic and volitile while even the allegedly insane robots were calm and seemingly logical. Also, it was intersting that mankind faught so hard to keep the robots 'slavish' and in the end the robots control the most powerful and pervasive facets of society. Very good book.
guhan balasubramanian
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July 22, 2019
Good set of stories to think about a world with robots. Some stories are quite slow in tempo though. Not much of action or thrills, but a subtle and stylish ending for each story. This book is a heavy combination of the below elements: Science (with believable extrapolation), Logic (heavily around the 3 laws), Macro Economics This book is meant for a relatively grown up or matured audience. I'm sure such vision and stories will age well as march into the future with AI and machine learning.
14 people found this review helpful
GhostCode RG
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August 20, 2022
Its very good, the only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5 is 2 sections I feel were used to pad out the pages rather than add to the story, most of the stuff about the regions (towards the end) just didnt really grab me, it was explained earlier in the same chapter but went to in depth into something that didnt need said. The other section is more of a "it was cool but it didnt add much" kind of thing
About the author
Isaac Asimov began his Foundation Series at the age of twenty-one, not realizing that it would one day be considered a cornerstone of science fiction. During his legendary career, Asimov penned over 470 books on subjects ranging from science to Shakespeare to history, though he was most loved for his award-winning science fiction sagas, which include the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. Named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Asimov entertained and educated readers of all ages for close to five decades. He died, at the age of seventy-two, in April 1992.
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