Humanity is threatened by the overwhelming growth of science and technology. People expand their knowledge through observation and experimentation, oblivious to the consequences that result from inappropriate motivation. Isaac Asimov, author of The Life and Times of Multivac, uses the science of numbers, or mathematics, as a solution to the fear that arises in a world controlled by a human-like machine. What human beings fear is losing the word that separates them from everything else in the world: human, and they will do everything they can to keep that title to themselves. What differentiates a human being from a machine that has human characteristics? ? The idea that there really is no difference here is surprising. Human beings retain the need to be different, especially from machines. People want to be distinguished as humans and not just any other species, but Multivac has its own voice, “…with a beauty that has never really faded, no matter how many times it has been heard” (Asimov 160). Multivac is distinguished from human beings and can be defined as human because of its qualities. “He became more and more aware of his own worth and less inclined to bear trivialities with patience” (Asimov 162). Multivac was growing and getting smarter; it was learning. When Bakst talks about Multivac, it sounds like he's talking about another person: "Yes, I would have to talk to Multivac" and "Bakst had to depend on Multivac's goodwill" (Asimov 162). Bakst knows he must treat Multivac like a friend; to get on his good side so you can kill him later. Bakst follows the rule: “keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.” Multivac is made by the people, for the people. At first he (see how I refer to the superpowered computer as resembling a real man enough to be called him) is seen as the savior of human beings, but then as Multivac becomes less dependent on humans he is seen as a vice of independence for the peoples remaining on earth. One of the 15 remaining people of a self-proclaimed Congress, Noreen, says, “We are living worthless now” (Asimov 161). She feels like nothing matters anymore because everything she longs for is useless. “Whatever we choose, as long as it doesn’t matter…” (Asimov 161). Noreen probably feels like Multivac laughs in her face every time she tries to be independent.