The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content and cursing. 

“I spent time then soothing Mike down and trying to make him happy, having figured out what troubled him—thing that makes puppies cry and causes people to suicide: loneliness. I don’t know how long a year is to a machine who thinks a million times faster than I do. But must be too long.”

Manuel describes his impression of Mike’s “feelings” of loneliness. This illustrates Manuel’s empathy and his desire to help. It also shows that even at the beginning of the novel, before Mike becomes more complex and develops new powers, Manuel anthropomorphizes the computer, which already shows advanced capabilities. This underscores the theme of The Nature and Role of Artificial Intelligence.

“You are right that the Authority must go. It is ridiculous—pestilential, not to be borne—that we should be ruled by an irresponsible dictator in all our essential economy! It strikes at the most basic human right, the right to bargain in a free marketplace. But I respectfully suggest that you erred in saying that we should sell wheat to Terra—or rice, or any food—at any price. We must not export food!”

The Professor argues that the Authority must be abolished because it infringes on the Loonies’ liberty. His argument highlights a paradox at the heart of his “rational anarchist” political ideology: He states that it is a “human right” to “bargain in a free marketplace” while simultaneously arguing for a trade embargo, which would necessarily infringe on a free market. Later, the Professor justifies this and other paradoxes in his beliefs by stating he feels it is necessary to do whatever it takes for the Loonies to win their independence from the Authority. His ideas develop The Concept of Liberty and the Libertarian Ideal.

“‘Wyoh, you look like slot-machine sheila waiting for action.’

‘Why, you drecklich choom! Do I look like slot-machine prices? Tourist!’

‘Don’t jump salty, beautiful. Name a gift. Then speak my name. If it’s bread-and honey, I own a hive.’

‘Uh—’ She fisted me solidly in ribs, grinned. ‘I was flying, cobber. If I ever bundle with you—not likely—we won’t speak to the bee.’”

This snippet of dialogue between Manuel and Wyoming illustrates the unique syntax and lexicon used by the people of the Lunar Colony. The meanings of the unfamiliar terms they use can be deciphered using