1,675 words (7-10 minutes)
Genre(s): Philosophical Science Fiction, Existential Horror
Originally published in Fantastic magazine in 1962

⸻

The Big Engine is a brooding, philosophical monologue delivered by a man known as "the Professor." Through his speech, he reveals his bleak worldview: the universe is nothing more than a mindless, mechanical engine, and human beings are merely lifeless machines carrying out preordained motions. Some rare individuals, like himself, awaken to this reality—but instead of finding liberation, they discover only alienation or cruelty. As the Professor unravels his vision of existence, the story delves into questions of consciousness, free will, and the sinister undertones of a world that may be running on autopilot.