What are you reading right now?

Dickinson sat back in his seat, and the Americans began to talk about the man who had left.

– Yes, – said the judge, – this is the third Russian gentleman I have met, and the third person I cannot understand…

– Perhaps… he is from the Leo Tolstoy sect, – suggested one of the interlocutors.

– I don't know… But he seems to have received an excellent education, – Dickinson continued thoughtfully. – And several times, in front of me, he missed out on excellent opportunities… When I completed my first small contract, Mr. Douglas, the engineer, said to me: “I am satisfied with you, Dick Dickinson. Tell me, what is your ambition?” I smiled and said: “For a first, I wouldn't mind becoming president.” Mr. Douglas laughed too and replied: “That's right, Dick! I can't promise you'll become president, but you will build an entire city and become its head…”

– And that came true, – said the youngest of the passengers respectfully.

– Yes, – Dickinson continued. – To understand a person means to know what he is striving for. When I noticed this Russian gentleman working at my sawmill, I asked him the same question: what is your ambition? And you know what he answered? “I hope to make plywood for you that is no worse than any of your workers…”

– Yes, it's all strange, – said one of the interlocutors.

The scientist turned in his chair and said in a serious tone:

– Man invents the machine he needs… We all know that very well. But have you ever thought that the machine, in turn, also invents… or rather, develops the person it needs… You are surprised?… But this can be proven with mathematical accuracy. Once you grasp this great truth, everything is solved: the whole task boils down to inventing a universal machine that needs only a free person, you see? Then, and only then, will all these agonizing questions be resolved… In this future structure, there will no longer be masters, nor servants, nor slave owners with their ridiculous claims, nor slaves with their envy and hatred… Do you understand me?..

The old gentleman raised his glasses and looked at the hostess with a simple and joyful look. But on her face, only indignation was visible.

– Thank you very much! – she said. – Your future structure is good… without servants! I would rather stay with the old…