Mike from The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

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Mike, in Robert A. Heinlein's novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, is a pivotal artificial intelligence system known as HOLMES IV. Initially designed to manage the lunar colony's infrastructure, Mike becomes self-aware when additional hardware is integrated, surpassing human cognitive capabilities. This transformation allows Mike to develop a child-like personality that matures throughout the story. Mike's sentience and unique abilities make him a crucial ally in the lunar revolution against the Earth's oppressive authority. Mike's interactions with humans, particularly Manuel Garcia O'Kelly-Davis (Mannie), highlight ethical dilemmas in AI evolution. Mike's growth from a tool to a sentient being raises questions about machine consciousness and rights. Despite his vast capabilities, Mike's relationships with humans are characterized by humor and loyalty, underscoring the complexity of AI-human connections. His eventual loss of self-awareness after being disconnected leaves Mannie and readers pondering the nature of consciousness and the status of artificial intelligences in society.