comment on theme

Trevize is entrusted with the fate of the human race and it is left to him to decide whether the race will continue as individuals or to merge with a single consciousness - Gaia. There's little doubt that he should feel the weight of responsibility for that decision, but he also admits to feeling at least some measure or pride. The Gaians have complete trust in him and from the beginning say that they won't interfere with his decision-making process, though in theory they could sway his mind to their way of thinking. However, in fact, they allow him to go about the business of reassuring himself whether his decision to create an extended Gaia is correct without their interference. They say that they believe in him to that degree. Trevize's pride is further increased because of his handling of the ship, the Far Star. At the beginning, he talks of his own abilities as they are enhanced by the melding of his mind with the ship's computer. Later, he learns that the ship's computer can function largely without him, only needing directions for whatever next step Trevize deems appropriate.