Feeling Of Power By Asimov Essay, Research Paper

What would happen if technology became so advanced that people did not need to

compute for themselves, and over time eventually forgot that there ever was a

time when they did? Isaac Asimov must have asked himself this question, and

wrote, the classic short story, "The Feeling of Power." He wrote this

to warn everyone not to rely solely on computers, and the dangers of

"forgetting" our mathematical skills. Since everyone has lost the

ability to do math in their heads, computers now run everything including the

war against Deneb. Aub has taught himself how to do math by studying how the

parts of antique computers work. This was just a hobby for Aub, but to Jehan

Shuman, a profound programmer, it is a way to regain control of mathematics. As

soon as Jehan discovered Aub’s talent, he quickly set up a meeting with General

Weider and Aub. When the General was first introduced to Aub’s ability to

multiply numbers by hand he was skeptical. He thought it was possible that Aub

had simply memorized a few calculations, so he tried to trick him; but Aub

really had mastered the process of multiplication on paper. General Weider and

Aub were not thinking about using Aub’s talent for the same purposes. Aub was

not looking at the "big picture" like the General was. Aub simply

thought they could teach mankind how to calculate in their head and on paper,

while also reducing the reliability on computers. On the other hand, General

Weider was thinking about how useful this new knowledge could be to help win the

war against Deneb. He also thought this new way of calculation could save money,

regain control, and offer unlimited possibilities for man. Aub could not stand

the fact that his discovery could lead to missiles being flown by men. This

would only lead to their ultimate death, and the destruction of many others. Aub

had never imagined his knowledge could have such a great effect on the war, and

this was the total opposite effect he had desired. He thought his ideas would

open up new job opportunities for people, instead of computers doing all the

work. Aub felt that he could not live with himself knowing he contributed to the

death of others, so he sadly decided to commit suicide. The death of this

incredible genius and caring sole was a tragedy. Aub only wanted to help

mankind, not create another way to harm them. If General Weider had not been so

set on using Aub’s talents for the war against Deneb, maybe Aub could have lived

to see all of mankind learn "graphitics." It seems as though, whenever

people come up with new ideas and inventions, they always end up being

manipulated for an evil cause, instead of for the well being of everyone.