- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: As a matter of fact, I had an exceptionally full, stimulating if I may say so, usful day at the computer.
- Timmie: What's a computer?
- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: ...simply an electronic adding-and-remembering machine... a completely accurate and lighning-fast idiot with a lead pencil.
- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: In order to equal the number of neuronic circuits in my own cerebral cortex we'd be obliged to build something slightly larger than the planet Jupiter.
- Robby the Robot: My built-in basic directive forbids me to permit bodily injury to a rational being.
- [last lines]
- Robby the Robot: Pardon me, sir. My basic directive.
- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: Have an apple, Timmie. - Robbie.
- Martin: [speaking as the computer] Dr. Merrinoe, you have been informed of the situation. My robot is already in space and your son is completely in his hands. You are, of coyurse, aware that the robot is a skilled anatomist familiar with every fiber of the human nervous system and capable of inflicting pain for days, if necessary, without bestowing death.
- Dr. Bannerman: In certain intolerable situations, a man's unconscious mind can be the instrument of self-destruction.
- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: Now, how many 24th are there in one and a quarter?
- Timmie: Three? Seventeen? Forty-four? A hundred?
- [first lines]
- Dr. Tom Merrinoe: General Swayne! Certainly didn't expect to see you in person.
- Gen. Swayne: Thought I'd be my own messenger boy this time.