Part of the inhumanity of the computer is that, once it is competently programmed and working smoothly, it is completely honest.

The quote "Part of the inhumanity of the computer is that, once it is competently programmed and working smoothly, it is completely honest" by Isaac Asimov explores the concept of honesty and objectivity in machines, particularly computers. Asimov, a renowned science fiction writer and robotics expert, highlights a key difference between humans and machines: while humans can be influenced by emotions, biases, or deceit, computers are fundamentally truthful and unbiased in their processing, as long as they are properly programmed. However, Asimov points out that this honesty can be a form of inhumanity because computers, unlike humans, do not possess the ability to interpret or understand the context in which information is being used.

The origin of this quote comes from Asimov's broader exploration of artificial intelligence and robotics in his works. Asimov's famous Three Laws of Robotics dealt with the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence and its role in human society. His quote about the honesty of computers reflects his understanding that while technology can be incredibly efficient, it also lacks the empathy and nuance that humans apply when making judgments. This lack of flexibility in handling complex human emotions and situations is what he refers to as "inhumanity."

By describing a computer's honesty as a form of inhumanity, Asimov is acknowledging that machines may offer straightforward answers or solutions without considering the moral, ethical, or emotional consequences of those actions. In a human context, honesty is often intertwined with compassion and judgment, which are qualities that computers, regardless of their functionality, lack. This makes a computer's "honesty" potentially cold and detached from the complexities of human life.

In essence, Asimov's quote sheds light on the limits of artificial intelligence and its inability to grasp the full spectrum of human experience. While a computer’s straightforwardness and honesty might be valuable in some contexts, it can also be dangerous when the lack of contextual understanding leads to outcomes that are technically accurate but morally or emotionally inappropriate.