The Machine Stops (version 4)

The Machine Stops is a thought-provoking science fiction novella by E. M. Forster that explores a future where humanity lives underground, entirely reliant on a vast, all-encompassing Machine for their needs. In this world, individualism and direct human interaction have become obsolete, as people communicate solely through technology.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist, Vashti, finds her existence challenged when her son, Kuno, seeks to break free from the confines of their mechanized life. Forster's narrative raises critical questions about the implications of technological dependence and the loss of personal connection, making it a prescient commentary on modern society.

Originally published in 1909, The Machine Stops has garnered recognition for its uncanny predictions of future technologies, such as instant messaging and the Internet. Forster's work serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection on the human condition, inviting listeners to consider the balance between progress and the essence of what it means to be human.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

The Air Ship	32:39	Read by Phil Chenevert
The Mending Apparatus	29:45	Read by Phil Chenevert
The Homeless	28:59	Read by Phil Chenevert

Reviews

Terrifyingly Prophetic

(5 stars)

psichick

I mean no disrespect to those who believe in the religions of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. But there are Prophets who have lived in other times than those recorded in the texts of those religions I've formerly mentioned. E. M. Forster is among the greatest in this reviewer's mind. And it is this work which makes him so. If hearing this doesn't cause one to contemplate deeply one's life, and to set into motion the necessary changes within one's self to better understand the 'meaning' of Life and to move beyond simply Being into *Becoming*. By this I mean to Realize Living one's Life over merely Existing for Existence's sake, and to take action in order to Become truly alive and utterly free from the electronic ties that bind before it truly is too late.

A thoughly enjoyable short story

(5 stars)

John Catterson

An short and sharp story. Interesting ideas. It's hard to believe it's over a hundred years old. The narrator does a good job too.

narrator

(5 stars)

Lydia Bobidia

really excellent narrator. just enough vocal animation to keep me interested, not too much as to be distracting from the story.

Great!

(5 stars)

John-Paul Murphy

A brilliant story about amazon and youtube. A fantastic job by the narrator at capturing the protagonist's emotional state. Well Done!