The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition] cover art

The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

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The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

By: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: B. J. Harrison
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About this listen

The earth's surface is no longer habitable. All humanity is sequestered beneath the ground, couched in isolation and contentment. The Machine provides the needs of humanity. Mankind becomes subservient drones to the life-supporting Machine. But what happens when the Machine stops?

Public Domain (P)2018 B.J. Harrison Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Science Fiction Fiction Short Story

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All stars
Most relevant
Strange how almost acurate this tale is. Well worth a listen,. Thought provoking allegory for modern times

Makes you think

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I heard about this book for the first time on a radio programme about AI, recently. It is intriguing and an enjoyable listen, short enough to finish in one sitting on a sunny day in the garden.
unbelievable that it was written a century ago, but still relevant.

Timeless and thought provoking

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Loved this story as scarily perceptive considering it was written more than a hundred years ago. Thoroughly recommend.

Riveting!

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how prophetic, amazing how the author saw into our future so accurately. highly recomended to anyone who thinks technology should advance without strict regulation.

a tale for today

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It's extraordinary that this novel was written in 1909, for it so accurately describes today's world and some of the great challenges we are facing. Humanity, caught between safe and pleasureable intellectualism and harsh but vital experience, must choose one and opts for disaster. It's only short but has so much to say on the limits and vanity of human thought and the essence of being alive.

Prescient

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