Executive Summary

• The story ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’ by Ray Bradbury is set in a world with advanced technology.
• Many of the technological advancements in the story are now within reach.
• The story’s themes of automation and nuclear war remain relevant today.

The Buzz Score

The Internet’s Verdict: 70% Hyped, 30% Skeptical

Forum Voices

Many people have read ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’ and felt like the technology was futuristic. Now, it feels like most of the technology is within reach.

I read this story in 4th grade. It felt like the future. Now, it feels like most of the technology is within reach – at least, it could be built.

Others have pointed out that the story’s portrayal of a post-nuclear world is still relevant today.

Born in 1968 I missed “duck and cover” but rode the wave of Reagan brinkmanship with my skater friends until 1990, watching all the broadcast TV PSAs and songs and art about nuclear war.

Modern Technology

One thing that stands out is how a modern home and its conveniences require a lot of effort, equivalent to 40 full-time house staff. Despite this, there are not many notable robots that have become widespread.

One thing which I find striking here is that a modern home and attendant conveniences roughly embodies 10–15 horsepower of effort, or the work of 40 or so full time house staff.

Focus Keyword: Soft Rains