The Machine Stops Audiobook By E. M. Forster cover art

The Machine Stops

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The Machine Stops

By: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: Carey Mulligan
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"The Machine Stops" is a short science fiction story. It describes a world in which almost all humans have lost the ability to live on the surface of the Earth. Each individual lives in isolation in a "cell", with all bodily and spiritual needs met by the omnipotent, global Machine. Most humans welcome this development, as they are skeptical and fearful of first-hand experience. People forget that humans created the Machine, and treat it as a mystical entity whose needs supersede their own. Those who do not accept the deity of the Machine are viewed as "unmechanical" and are threatened with "Homelessness". Eventually, the Machine apocalyptically collapses, and the civilization of the Machine comes to an end.

Public Domain (P)2020 Audible, Inc. Science Fiction Short Story Fiction Anthologies & Short Stories Short Stories
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Prophetic Vision • Thought-provoking Dystopia • Excellent Narration • Relevant Social Commentary • Philosophical Depth

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I think I would have enjoyed the book more with a different narrator. My mind wandered at times, although it was a quick listen. The narrator didn’t change voices during character dialogue.

Quick listen

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so many questions. why are people necessary who made the machine? a great measure of convenience

they trusted it with everything it was plugged into everything it was everything and then . .

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It’s truly frightening to consider this was written about a century ago, and it still approximates today’s headlines, lectures, and (pop) philosophy. One can see how films like “The Matrix” or “”Wall-e,” have some variant of this story at their core.

Spine-chilling

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While the topic is a little over done and easy guess the ending of it is still a very good quick listen.

Interesting dystopian short story

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I see many parallels in this book in our world and will probably continue to do so. the problem of primary experience verses stagnating knowledge seems core to the human experience

A short thought provoking listen. well worth the hour & a half

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