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. To say that it is prophetic is an understatement….and…