How we cite our quotes: (Story title.paragraph)
Quote #4
"How is a robot different when humans are not present? The answer is obvious. There is a larger requirement of personal initiative." (Catch that Rabbit.100)
Dave's problem in "Catch that Rabbit" is totally an issue of choice. When humans aren't around, Dave has to make his own decisions, and he can't do it. (Actually, we learn that he has trouble giving orders to all six of his subordinate robots, but it seems like he has trouble making choices.) This is sort of a weird position for a robot to be in, since we usually think of a robot as not making any choices at all since a robot is constrained by the Three Laws.
Quote #5
"Have you—told anyone?"
"Of course not!" This, with genuine surprise. "No one has asked me." (Liar.47-8)
We love Herbie's response here. It seems as if he promised not to tell Calvin's secret to anyone, as if he were a friend. But of course the issue isn't friendship—it's just that no one asked. If Herbie thought that the person who asked would be hurt if he didn't tell, of course Herbie would tell Calvin's secret. Herbie isn't making a choice about this; he's acting according to the Three Laws of Robotics.
Quote #6
"He looks deeper than the skin, and admires intellect in others. Milton Ashe is not the type to marry a head of hair and a pair of eyes." (Liar.71)
This is Herbie talking about Milton Ashe (and by that, we mean lying about Milton Ashe). Lying here isn't a choice for Herbie—it's what he feels he has to do. But we pulled this quote because of the choice that Milton makes to choose the pretty but dumb woman over Calvin. Or is it a choice? How much free will do the humans in these stories have?