Humanity is threatened by the overwhelming growth of science and technology. People are expanding their knowledge through observation and experimentation, unaware of the consequences that arise from improper motivations. 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 humans fear is losing the very word that separates them from everything else in the world: human, and they will do everything they can to keep that title for themselves. What makes a human being different from a machine that possesses human characteristics? The idea that there really is no difference here is an astonishing thought. Humans retain the need to be different, especially from machines. People want to be distinguished as human beings and not as any other species, but Multivac is given a voice all his own, "...with a beauty that has never quite faded, no matter how often it has been heard" (Asimov 160). Multivac is distinguished from humans and can be defined as human due to its qualities. “He became more and more aware of his own worth and less inclined to bear trivialities with patience” (Asimov 162). Multivac grew and became increasingly intelligent; he was learning. When Bakst talks about Multivac it seems like he is referring to another person: “Yes, I will have to talk to Multivac” and “Bakst had to depend on Multivac's good will” (Asimov 162). Bakst knows he must treat Multivac like a friend; to get on his good side so she can then kill him. Bakst follows the rule of "keeping friends close and enemies even closer." Multivac is made by people, for people. At first, he (see how I refer to the overbearing computer as a man real enough to be called him) is thought to be the savior of humans, but then as Multivac becomes less dependent on humans he is seen as a vice of independence for the people left on earth. One of the remaining 15 people of a self-proclaimed Congress, Noreen, states, “We live worthless now” (Asimov 161). He feels like nothing matters anymore because everything he fights for is useless. “Whatever we choose, as long as it is not important…” (Asimov 161). Noreen probably feels like Multivac is laughing in her face every time she tries to be independent.