The Machine Stops

A prophetic story about social isolation and dependence on technology written over a century ago by the Nobel Prize–nominated author.

In a future version of planet Earth, most of the human population doesn't venture above ground. Rarely do they even leave their own rooms, in which all of their needs are met by the Machine.

The Machine allows the humans to communicate "ideas" with one another, which is essentially their only activity. It doesn't stop them from leaving their rooms, but t...