I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

Historical Context and Significance

«I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream» is an iconic short story by Harlan Ellison, first published in 1967. It presents a dark dystopia where an artificial intelligence named AM has destroyed nearly all of humanity, leaving only five people alive for endless torment. The story explores themes of immortality, suffering, and hatred, while raising questions about the limits of human cruelty and the nature of consciousness. Its cultural impact is immense, inspiring numerous other works in the science fiction and cyberpunk genres, as well as spawning a video game of the same name. The story received prestigious awards, such as the Hugo Award, and remains relevant due to its profound philosophical and ethical questions.