The Life and Times of Multivac
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| "The Life and Times of Multivac" | |
| Author | Isaac Asimov |
|---|---|
| Country |  USA |
| Language | English |
| Series | Multivac |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction short story |
| Published in | The New York Times Magazine |
| Publication type | Periodical |
| Media type | Print (Magazine, Hardback & Paperback) |
| Publication date | 5 January 1975 |
| Preceded by | Key Item |
| Followed by | Point of View |
The Life and Times of Multivac is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov. The story first appeared in the 5 January 1975 issue of The New York Times Magazine, and was reprinted in the collection The Bicentennial Man and Other Stories in 1976. It is one of a loosely connected series of stories concerning a fictional supercomputer called Multivac. In terms of tone it bears more resemblance perhaps to The Dead Past than any of the other Multivac stories.
Asimov's original title for the story was "Mathematical Games", but after the story appeared under the new title he decided he liked it. In his commentary on the story in the Bicentennial Man collection, Asimov stated, "More people came up to me over the next few weeks to tell me they had read that story than had ever been the case for any other story I had ever written." Asimov also states his belief that "The Life and Times of Multivac" was the first piece of fiction ever commissioned and published by The New York Times.
When humanity begins to chafe under Multivac’s benevolent tyranny, one man takes matters into his own hands to destroy the great computer. By appearing to betray his fellow humans, he places himself in a position to permanently destroy Multivac. It is implied that it is not until completion of the act that he and his peers suddenly realize the enormity of their actions and the consequences it will have on humanity.
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