With These Hands

"With These Hands" by C. M. Kornbluth is a science fiction story that paints a picture of a future world where art is being taken over by machines, causing problems for artists. The story centers on Roald Halvorsen, a talented artist who is having a hard time making a living because machines, like the stereopantograph, can create art without any human creativity. Halvorsen's struggles highlight the fight between human artistry and technology. As Halvorsen faces his decreasing career, he meets people such as Lucretia Grumman, a young woman who loves art, and Austin Malone, an engineer who represents the focus on technology and productivity. Halvorsen has to face his troubles as an artist and the effects of living in a world that values mass-produced items more than human-created art. In the end, the story reminds us how important it is to keep human creativity and personal connection alive, especially when technology tries to take over.