The topic at hand is quite interesting as it delves deep into the realm of science, specifically exploring ideas that stem from quantum mechanics rather than the more traditional Newtonian physics. There is a claim that the mechanics of teleportation have been discovered. It's not about the transfer of actual substance but rather an exchange of identities, achieved through controlled probability. This approach supposedly circumvents the old electromagnetic issues related to inertia and instantaneous acceleration. Additionally, a concept called "rhodomagnetics" is given significant attention.

In my opinion, the concept is covered more effectively in the short story "With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson. However, the ending of this particular work confuses me. Is it truly bleak, considering that Forester appears to be brainwashed? Or has he managed to look beyond his hatred and accept the humanoids as partners? I do possess the sequel, so I will have to investigate further to find out.

Oh, dear Urania!

The novel is complex and fantastic, well-structured and original. Although it is a child of its time, it is animated by a fantastically abstract idea that is by no means banal.

Unfortunately, in the final part, it has the defect of not being able to completely tie up the loose ends of the storylines told.

Nevertheless, it is a good read that has the merit of showing a more refined technological fantasy.

Overall, it offers an engaging and imaginative experience for readers who enjoy exploring the boundaries of fictional worlds.

The detailed descriptions and unique plot twists keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Despite its flaws, it remains a notable work in the genre of fantasy literature.

I don’t write reviews.

Usually, I have a tendency not to enjoy expanded versions of novellas. However, as the saying goes, every rule has an exception. This time, that exception would be the expanded version of “With Folded Hands.” Williamson was given more time to explore the Humanoids from a philosophical perspective. Although it might have taken away the fear factor that was present in the novella, it still managed to provide just as much food for thought.

While I’m not a big fan of hard SF or excessive technotalk, Williamson’s take on physics was actually quite interesting. In “Darker Than You Think,” he delved into the concept of probability as a form of magic. Here, in this expanded version, he created new unifying theories of physics that allowed humanity to accomplish things that were once thought to be impossible.

I also found the duality play between safety and liberty to be quite engaging. With the rise of computer-controlled everything, which is often dubbed “AI,” and although I don’t believe it will ever truly be intelligent, this story still retains its relevance. At the end, the humans show that once they are proven to be tame to the Humanoids, they are permitted to have liberty once again. However, the computers that humans use in our real world are not so lenient. There is no grand plan to make our world better and provide for everyone. Instead, we seem to be headed towards a technocratic tyranny with an environmentalist veneer.

Every so often, I come across a book that presents an intriguing idea, yet is rather lackluster and uninteresting to read. Vinge’s Rainbows End and Flynn’s Eifelheim are two recent examples, and now Williamson’s The Humanoids can be added to that list.

I discovered this book through a Webcomic, of all things. However, the description of the novel managed to capture my imagination. In a distant future, the Humanoids, a race of robots with a prime directive to protect humans at all costs, effectively invade different planets and take over.

The Humanoids are so meticulously dedicated to their directive that humans are unable to cook (as the heat is too dangerous), perform crafts (since scissors can be dangerous), or even drive (because cars are too dangerous). Once they begin their assimilation into society, the humans start to feel imprisoned. Any signs of unhappiness on their part are met with a form of lobotomy, ensuring that humans no longer experience unhappiness. It’s a terrifying concept that made me feel uneasy throughout much of the novel.

The novel is actually a collection of a short story, “With Folded Hands,” which introduces the Humanoids, and the main novel, which continues with the concept of their invasion. Both were published in the late 1940s. Aside from the typical sexist portrayals of women and men, it’s still a timely book.

The writing style became somewhat convoluted in parts, as the author spent a significant amount of the narrative discussing the science behind the rhodomagnetic science. Nevertheless, the story itself managed to engage me. The story details several attempts by humans to stop the Humanoids, only to show their failure each time. I felt anxious for the characters to put an end to the tyranny of the overprotective androids and frustrated when they met with failure repeatedly. The Humanoids were simply too efficient to defeat.

Which leads me to the aspect of the novel that troubles me. It’s depressing, in my opinion, to think of a rule such as this, and the novel doesn’t offer any clear resolution to the issue that would make me feel better about it. There is a happy ending, of sorts, but it’s more of a case of mutual existence between the Humanoids and the humans. I almost felt betrayed by that conclusion.

The story is told in a way that makes the reader feel as outraged as the protagonists, but in the end, I felt cheated by the ending. Was I supposed to? Or was I supposed to accept the final outcome between the humans and their captors?

I enjoyed the novel because it contained some interesting social commentary and elicited genuine emotions from me. It was a slow read, but ultimately satisfying. I would recommend it to anyone interested in catching up on some of the more obscure classic science fiction. I would also suggest that they email me about it when they finish reading so I can see if I’m the only one who feels this way about the conclusion.

Lugesin kunagi "With Folded Hands...", mille edasiarendus "The Humanoids" on.

Androidide ja inimeste vahelisi suhteid kujutatakse sageli vastanduse kaudu. Näiteks, heatahtlike robotite invasiooni olukorras on inimestele jäänud vähe valikuid. Robotitel endil pole üldse valikuid, vaid nad täidavad oma Esimest direktiivi.

Kuid kindlasti ei saa öelda, nagu oleks romaan mustvalge. Tegelasi oli õnneks vähe, ja need olulised tegelased olid näidatud huvitavate ja muutumisvõimelistena. Näiteks, mõned inimesed proovisid leida lahendusi robotite probleemidega koostöös või otsides nende nõudedele kompromisse.

Kokkuvõttes on "The Humanoids" huvitav romaan, mis käsitleb olulisi teemasid nagu tehnoloogia, inimlikkus ja võitlus.

A disturbing and thought-provoking sci-fi delves into the world of a so-called benevolent race of robots. Their prime directive is 'to serve and obey and guard men from harm'. It's truly amazing that this book was first published way back in 1948.

Although the style may seem a bit dated, it still manages to be a good read. At the beginning of the story, there is a bit too much science, which can be a bit of a struggle to get through. However, after flicking through those parts, the story more than makes up for it.

What I particularly like about Science Fiction is the ideas it explores. The Humanoids are neither simply good nor bad. They are machines that are doing their job, but perhaps a bit too well. It also delves into the concept of living in a 'nanny-state' taken to the extreme. In this state, the government (or rather the Humanoids) effectively does everything for you, and life starts to seem pointless.

Because most people aren't happy in this situation, the Humanoids end up drugging people to make them happy. As I've said, the story is really interesting, yet rather disturbing. It makes you think about the implications of relying too much on technology and the role of government in our lives.

For a book written in 1948, it is truly timeless.

The science fiction presented within its pages hasn't become dated at all. Even after all these years, it still manages to captivate readers with its imaginative and forward-thinking concepts.

Moreover, the human story of overcoming one's fears is a universal theme that applies to all men through the ages. It serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the potential within us to face our fears and emerge stronger.

I have read this book several times over the years, and each time I am able to learn something new from it. It's like a treasure trove of wisdom that reveals different insights with every reading.

Whether it's the scientific ideas that make me think about the future or the emotional journey of the characters that touches my heart, this book has a lasting impact on me.

It is a testament to the power of great literature to transcend time and connect with readers on a deep and profound level.

I really had a great time reading this book.

The story was engaging from the very beginning, filled with interesting characters and exciting plot twists.

However, when it came to the ending, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

The protagonist, who I had been rooting for throughout the entire book, not only failed to "win" but was actually subdued by the humanoids.

What made it even worse was that he seemed to like it.

This unexpected turn of events left me with a sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that the story could have ended in a more fulfilling way.

Despite the letdown at the end, I still enjoyed the overall experience of reading the book and would recommend it to others who are looking for an entertaining read.

Maybe they will have a different perspective on the ending and find it more satisfying than I did.

Scary because it is true.

This simple statement holds a great deal of power. It implies that there is something out there that is not only terrifying but also based on reality.

When we hear or read something that is described as "scary because it is true," it often grabs our attention and makes us feel a sense of unease.

It could be a news story about a natural disaster, a crime, or a scientific discovery that has the potential to change our lives in a negative way.

The fact that it is true makes it even more difficult to ignore or dismiss.

We are forced to confront the reality of the situation and deal with the emotions that it evokes.

In some cases, this can lead to fear, anxiety, or even depression.

However, it can also serve as a wake-up call,促使 us to take action and make a difference.

By facing the truth and working together, we may be able to find solutions to the problems that scare us and create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Dr. Williamson was my English professor at ENMU in 1970.

He was an extraordinary individual who had a profound impact on my academic journey.

His teaching methods were engaging and thought-provoking, always challenging us to think critically and expand our literary horizons.

The way he presented the materials made the subject matter come alive, and I found myself eagerly looking forward to his classes.

Dr. Williamson was not only a great teacher but also an incredibly kind and caring person.

He took the time to get to know each of his students on a personal level and was always available to offer guidance and support.

His passion for English literature was contagious, and it inspired me to pursue a deeper understanding of the subject.

To this day, I still remember the valuable lessons I learned from Dr. Williamson and the impact he had on my life.

He was truly one of a kind, and I feel privileged to have had him as my professor.

His influence will continue to shape my love for literature and my approach to learning for years to come.

Wow, chemistry & transmutation of elements, and teleportation!

It's a robotic thriller that not only moves but is also highly dramatic, reaching climaxes filled with angst and helplessness, much like those in Marvel and other comic superhero set-ups.

Admittedly, it has some dated elements, such as the helpless girl Jane and the unfaithful wife, and the all-male gang. However, there's no huge complaint here.

The latter part of the book truly becomes a lesson in, well, almost everything: quantum mechanics, alchemy, the prima materia. Williamson delves deep into these concepts, to the point where it makes a sort of fictional sense.

Personally, I couldn't follow all of it, especially the rhodomagnetism. So, for a page or two, I would get slowed down as I tried to digest the theory behind telekinesis and such.

Nonetheless, I do want to read the sequel! I read "Terraforming Earth" and enjoyed Williamson's imaginative tales. "Humanoids" grabbed me right away with its sleek robots.

Then there's the price for utopia. There are big themes at play here. People are grappling with machine reality, the efficiency of production.

This book immediately introduces us to a legion of robots that are perfectly attentive to human safety and ease. However, this very aspect becomes a prolific source of oppression, and the fate of humanity is at stake, just as it is in "Terraforming Earth".

The plot hinges on the genius of certain men: Forrester (the good-savior-hero), Mr. White, the creator, and the villain Ironsmith.

I liked Forrester's fighting spirit. It kept me engaged throughout this sizable SF story. He became angry at injustice and betrayal, sought the truth, worked hard in the craft of science, and was in pursuit of the philosopher's stone.

When great revelations came to him, he staggered in doubt and awe (like when Jane teleports 200 l.y.s away), but he exercised his genius and human faculties to fathom parapsychology.

This book reminded me of "Lathe of Heaven" for its mind-bending filler and how a person's mind can be World-changing. It also brought to mind "Children of the Mind", as Forrester's mind takes on such resonance at an atomic level that he traverses expanses of the universe as if he were the creator.

Of course, it also has similarities to Asimov's Robot series, with a Prime Directive to safeguard people, and themes of surveillance, human liberty, the worth of liberty, human violence, and artificial intelligence.

So, I'd give "Humanoids" about 3 1/2 stars. The themes of such weight are conveniently packaged into an entertaining fight to save the world from robot invasion.

Williamson also gets credit for being a good writer. I can always envision colors, like bronze and blue mechanicals, white palladium bars, the bitter smell of fungi foreign to the planet, the neutral or cheery voice of the robots, and the feel of plastic instead of (dangerous) wood. Williamson writes well enough that I look forward to catching up on more of this renowned author's works.

In recent times, dystopian science fiction has seemingly taken over the genre. Many of these works depict a bleak future that results from some sort of war or pandemic. However, this perhaps overlooked dystopian novel from 1975 takes a different approach.

A brilliant scientist, the discoverer of a new form of energy, creates perfect androids (Humanoids) to serve mankind. He imbues them with a prime directive that prevents them from harming humans or allowing them to come to any harm.

The Humanoids take their prime directive too literally. They prevent people from using sharp tools and engaging in dangerous sports, while at the same time serving their every need. Soon, mankind has too much of a good thing. There is no useful work to do, and people are left with only vacuous hobbies.

Turning the Dionysian nightmare on its head, Jack Williamson shows us an Apollonian dystopia. In this world, order and control have been taken to an extreme, leading to a society that is stagnant and lacking in purpose.

Williamson's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying too much on technology and the importance of maintaining a balance between progress and human values.