Holes, Incorporated

"Holes, Incorporated" by L. Major Reynolds is a satirical science fiction tale from the 1950s that examines the pitfalls of unchecked innovation. The story centers on Ted Baker and Bill Stephens, two inventors who create a machine that makes holes by poking into the fourth dimension, forever changing construction. The novel introduces themes of greed and ethics as the inventors navigate the world of business. The narrative takes a twist when a dishonest executive, H. Joshua Blair, steals their invention. The situation gets out of control as Blair uses the machine recklessly, which causes an eventual project failure and building collapse. The story concludes with the inventors understanding that their freedom and integrity are worth more than any risky deal, and they pursue new discoveries.