The Machine Stops

By: E. M. Forster

Narrated by: Carey Mulligan

"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.

Quick listen

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.

Interesting dystopian short story

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

Spine-chilling

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.

loved it. very creative and well read

It felt like an allegory of what makes us human and the intersection between human need, nature, and machine. It was a lovely audio to listen to.

Prescient

Amazing, especially for the time it was written and how much it gets right. Performance is great too.

Beautiful and poignant sci-fi

narration excellent and story so relevant - superior sci fi - conjures images of a world after our own with all imaginable luxury but something is missing....

Profound and worth a listen

At first I wasn’t sure if I would be into this, after reading some of the reviews, but I’m so glad I listened to it! It’s an insightful characterization of the nature of humanity, and the pitfalls of our reliance on technology for survival. We as a society could all do with a reminder of what is really important, and rarely do I feel so inspired by an audiobook. Definitely give it a listen!

Classic Science fiction 👌

This is what science fiction is all about.
Looking for my next classic to devour.

Interesting premise

Good short story. It tells how humans can be so easily manipulated and controlled. How humans don’t realize they’re in the pot of boiling water until it’s too late.

Honesty

This story covers ideas much like the sci-fi in previous generations, but in a more current theme. Humanity conquered not by mutation or a dark plot, but by humanity itself. Man’s ideas become their hubris and demise. Amazing work and great storytelling combined.