The Baron’s conviction that he cannot “waste a Mentat” confirms the rarity and value of Hawat’s profession in the Imperium—human computers are essential now that thinking machines are banned. However, this moment also reveals that the Baron sees his Mentat as a commodity rather than a human being, which points to the Baron’s callous nature more generally. Baron Harkonnen’s plan to use deceit and poison to manipulate Hawat again shows the Baron’s ruthless leadership style.