The Machine Stops (version 2)
E. M. Forster
Read by Jerome Lawsen
Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.
The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen) (1 hr 18 min)
Chapters
| 01 - The Air-Ship | 29:01 | Read by Jerome Lawsen |
| 02 - The Mending Apparatus | 25:13 | Read by Jerome Lawsen |
| 03 - The Homeless | 24:09 | Read by Jerome Lawsen |
Reviews
Interesting story, good recording
notmyname
An odd little cautionary tale about a mechanized world where everyone is constantly in communication, but no one ever talks face to face or uses their bodies. In a way it feels like it could have been written yesterday by a cranky technophobe. I found it a little slow and occasionally preachy, but a few bits of biting satire made up for that. Well read, with good sound quality.
Is this my life?
Granita To Go
In the beginning there is a little (maybe at the most 5 feet tall) lady sitting in front of a machine (computer). She is pale and hardly ever communicates with anyone outside her cell. !!! I enjoyed hearing this story very much. The read is 5 star!
Interesting story
mikezane
Humans have become dependent on technology and have given themselves completely to it. What happens when that technology ceases to function? Thought provoking and sad, I had to listen to a humorous story after this one, but it was still good. Reader is excellent.
Great story, wonderfully read
apollosauce
I am not a native English speaker but I had no problem hearing every word very clearly. The story is so engaging that I must have listened to it at least 10 times over. Thank you.
Niki Daly
I had no idea that E M Forster,, writer of many romantic stories had written a Sci Fi story such as The Machine Stops. Engrossing and wonderfully read.
Wow, very insightful; but entertaining too
Bobby P.
An excellent glimpse into the collapse of an ignorantly dystopian underground civilization. "Man is the Measure"- we must remember that.
Wendy
How did this guy write over 100 years ago how this world will be right now?
Visionary dystopia more applicable today than when written.
Chris Jones
When humanity becomes dependent on AI.