Kurt Vonnegut is on thin ice with me but he is starting to redeem himself again, especially when I come across a solid entry like "EPICAC" found in this collection. Here, the author is dabbling in science-fiction and perhaps this might be a personal preference, but his track record is far more consistent in this genre. In this story about a scientist that exploits advanced technology to gain the affections of a female co-worker, Vonnegut also seems to be paying homage to Isaac Asimov's 'Multivac' supercomputer that appears in several of his stories. See my reviews for "The Last Question" or "Jokester" for comparisons.
It's truly remarkable that this story was first published in 1950 and exudes an uncanny prescience. EPICAC, an advanced AI computer akin to a sentient ChatGPT, takes center stage. Vonnegut subtly implies that our increasing dependence on such technology could intensify the rift between our humanity and our ability to authentically cultivate connections with others.
The narrator is a scientist working at a top-secret government facility and is keen on winning the affections of a co-worker who consistently rebuffs his advances. Defined by his rational and pragmatic demeanor, the scientist inadvertently enlists the aid of the supercomputer to help with his relationship problems. Despite his shortcomings in the eyes of his co-worker, who perceives him as lacking romance and appreciation for poetry, the scientist decides to veer from the computer's intended purpose. Rather than employing EPICAC for its original programming of solving complex equations, he exploits the machine for personal gain. He takes credit for the computer's generated poetry, presenting it as his own in an attempt to captivate his co-worker's affections. Yet, the narrative takes an interesting turn when the AI develops a profound love for the woman, setting in motion a series of inevitable and consequential events.
The narrative's triumph is mainly due to Vonnegut's ability to guide the reader into empathizing with the machine rather than the human protagonist. This success is further enhanced by infusing a delightful blend of lighthearted humor throughout the storytelling. The climax, surprisingly, resonates with an unexpected poignant depth.
With a sense of cautious optimism, I am hoping that Kurt Vonnegut continues to deliver more stories that are as intriguing and enjoyable as this one.
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