I was not making a generalized argument that everything should be touch screens. I was making the point that a Machine denizen if written in modern times would be using a touchscreen or voice interface. Or perhaps a keyboard, though that starts to get a bit more open ended than I think the idea is here.

Evidence, if not outright proof, is that is exactly what we have today in the prototype Machine we're living in. We do not interact with our Machine environments via an array of bespoke, single-purpose buttons.

You can also step up the sci-fi a bit and assert a brain-reading device.

However, as I was saying, it definitely dates the work to write as if a big array of buttons is how one would interact with the Machine. But I reiterate, all things considered, only a little. It still holds up brilliantly.

> We do not interact with our Machine environments via an array of bespoke, single-purpose buttons.

We don't? Every single light source in my house is controlled by a bespoke button or switch. I have buttons to control the burners on my stove, the temperature in my room, the music, etc. I have two buttons on my toilet and I select the appropriate flush mode based on context. I have a button I carry in my pocket to open my car which is full of buttons. At the parking garage a button raises the gate and gives me a ticket. Even the coke machine with a touchscreen has a dedicated button to dispense liquid.