There Will Come Soft Rains

"August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains"
Ray Bradbury, 1950

"Ten more voices died. In the last instant under the fire avalanche, other choruses, oblivious, could be heard announcing the time, playing music, cutting the lawn by remote-control mower, or setting an umbrella frantically out and in the slamming and opening front door, a thousand things happening, like a clock shop when each clock strikes the hour insanely before or after the other, a scene of maniac confusion, yet unity; singing, screaming, a few last cleaning mice darting bravely out to carry the horrid ashes away!" - page 4

This passage exemplifies the plethora of personification that Bradbury squeezed into this story.  There is no a single human character in this story.  With the exception of the dog, there is by our standards nothing living at all.  Still, a vast amount of things seem to happen. The house runs itself, essentially, it is alive.  Cleaning mice keep the house tidy, food is still cooked, and stories are still read.  The passage above is incredibly descriptive, relaying a scene of "maniac confusion".  Yet, there is nothing living.

The idea behind this portrays Bradbury's feelings towards technology.  He is a science fiction writer, yet not many of his prophecies end optimistically.  Though some don't completely put down technology, most portray technology as the means by which human society ends.  In August 2026, humans are no longer necessary.  Technology runs and cares for itself.  Although destroyed in the "fight" with flames, no human intervention is necessary for the continuation of these actions on earth.  However, it is important to notice Bradbury's exact message.  The end of "The Martian Chronicles" (the story this book is from) ends with humankind having a second chance.  Bradbury cannot deny technology completely, however, he makes the point that in its current form of usage, mankind may very well come to an end. 

Do I agree with Bradbury?  Yes and no.  I am a realist, and in the current state of things I do anticipate a somewhat pessimistic future.  However, I believe such long standing predictions are pointless.  Humanity is flawed as is its use of technology, but the world will not come to end by our current form of technology.  New forms of creation and destruction will arrive, and only very close to end can we accurately anticipate mankind's next move.  It is doubtful almost any country will consider full scale nuclear war, all full well knowing the consequences.  It can only be hoped that a mass merge of countries occurs, as opposed to furthering the dichotomy between ourselves.  Regardless, in our current state, the end of the world seems a long time coming.  If it were my sci-fi prediction, I would assume a couple hundred more years of political turmoil and social unrest before the culmination of our right or wrong doings influences us in such a way.