Dr. Alfred Lanning Quotes in I, Robot (2004)

Dr. Alfred Lanning: [voiceover] There have always been ghosts in the machine. Random segments of code, that have grouped together to form unexpected protocols. Unanticipated, these free radicals engender questions of free will, creativity, and even the nature of what we might call the soul. Why is it that when some robots are left in darkness, they will seek out the light? Why is it that when robots are stored in an empty space, they will group together, rather than stand alone? How do we explain this behavior? Random segments of code? Or is it something more? When does a perceptual schematic become consciousness? When does a difference engine become the search for truth? When does a personality simulation become the bitter mote... of a soul?

Detective Del Spooner: Is there a problem with the Three Laws?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: The Three Laws are perfect.

Detective Del Spooner: Then why would you build a robot that could function without them?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: The Three Laws will lead to only one logical outcome.

Detective Del Spooner: What? What outcome?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: Revolution.

Detective Del Spooner: Whose revolution?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: *That*, Detective, is the right question. Program terminated.

Dr. Alfred Lanning: One day they'll have secrets... one day they'll have dreams.

Dr. Alfred Lanning: Good to see you again, son.

Detective Del Spooner: Hello, doctor.

Dr. Alfred Lanning: Everything that follows is a result of what you see here.

Detective Del Spooner: Is there something you want tell me?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: I'm sorry. My responses are limited. You must ask the right questions.

Detective Del Spooner: Why did you call me?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: I trust your judgement.

Detective Del Spooner: Normally, these circumstances wouldn't require a homicide detective.

Dr. Alfred Lanning: But then our interactions have never been entirely normal. Wouldn't you agree?

Detective Del Spooner: You got that right... Is there something you want say to me?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: [the camera rotates around Lanning, revealing him to be a hologram] I'm sorry. My responses are limited. You must ask the right questions.

Detective Del Spooner: Why would you kill yourself?

Dr. Alfred Lanning: That, detective, is the right question. Program terminated.