The Machine Stops

‘The Machine Stops’ is a science fiction short story (12,300 words) by E.M. Forster – first published in 1909.    

Caramany is a commune in the Pyrenees-Orientales department in southern France.   13h century – watercolour/gouache ‘The story describes a world in which most of the human population has lost the ability to live on the surface of the Earth.     Each individual now lives in isolation below ground in a standard room, with all bodily and spiritual needs met by the omnipotent global Machine.      Travel is permitted, but is unpopular and rarely necessary.    Communication is made via a kind of instant messaging/videoconferencing machine with which people conduct their only activity the sharing of ideas and what passes for knowledge”. 

Saorge is a commune in the Alps-Maritimes department in southeastern France – 14th century. I highly recommend that people read this novella.  …