Karel Capek

The Absolute at Large, is a science fiction novel written by Czech author Karel Čapek in 1922. The first sentence opens the story on New Year's Day 1943, and describes the fundamental transformations in society as the result of a new mystical source of virtually free energy.

Great play, that introduced the word "robot" into English, looks to a future in which all workers are automatons. Their revolt when they acquire souls (i.e., when they gain the ability to hate) and the resulting catastrophe make for a powerful and deeply moving theatrical experience. "It is murderous social satire, …