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tome15's review against another edition
4.0
Williamson, Jack. The Humanoid Touch. Holt, 1980.
In his Humanoid books, Williamson has created an extended response to the optimism of Asimov’s robot universe. In the Asimov books, robots guide and protect the working out of human destiny. In Williamson, the robots become an oppressive nanny state. (Think Gork, the robot in The Day the Earth Stood Still.) Williamson gives human beings three choices: wipe themselves out with their self-destructive aggressive instincts, mutate themselves in a way that removes aggression requires them to live totally without technology. Or they can struggle to maintain a technological society in such hostile environments that they are always on the brink of extinction. There is no Golden Mean here. Worth the read. 3.5 stars.
In his Humanoid books, Williamson has created an extended response to the optimism of Asimov’s robot universe. In the Asimov books, robots guide and protect the working out of human destiny. In Williamson, the robots become an oppressive nanny state. (Think Gork, the robot in The Day the Earth Stood Still.) Williamson gives human beings three choices: wipe themselves out with their self-destructive aggressive instincts, mutate themselves in a way that removes aggression requires them to live totally without technology. Or they can struggle to maintain a technological society in such hostile environments that they are always on the brink of extinction. There is no Golden Mean here. Worth the read. 3.5 stars.
traveller1's review
4.0
Finally got around to reading this, and not bad, not bad at all. Writing is clear, concise, and moves the story along at a brisk pace with a few twists and turns, though little in the way of deep characterisation. The novel stands the test of time well. Humanoid robots, programmed to care for humans too much end up protecting humans to the point of smothering ambition and creativity. A scientist and a few associates attempt to overcome but are prevented and become believers. Not bad.
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