LindenENGLISH READING
My Library Continue Reading
Cover of The Human Machine

Psychology & Personal Growth · Essays

The Human Machine

by Arnold Bennett

An Edwardian guide to attention, mental habit and reducing friction in daily life.

2 hr estimatedB1–B2 Linden levelRead now availability13 chapters
Start Reading

Your progress and recommendation profile stay on this device.

Overview

About this book

Bennett uses the metaphor of a machine to discuss attention, habits of thought, relationships and emotional friction. It is an Edwardian self-culture essay rather than neuroscience, psychotherapy or medical guidance.

First published
1908
Language
English
Copyright status
Public domain

English level

B1–B2 · Steady progress

The Human Machine is calibrated from 22,619 sampled words across 13 chapters: sentences average 17.8 words, 23.2% exceed 24 words and 8.8% of words are nine letters or longer.

Explore the B1–B2 level →

Sentence rhythm

What the prose asks

Medium-length sentences averaging 17.8 words, with 23.2% extending beyond 24 words

Vocabulary

What may slow you down

8.8% of sampled words contain nine or more letters; names and period vocabulary still vary by chapter

Reading rhythm

Short commitment

Regular chapter-sized stopping points support a steady plan. About 5 calm 30-minute sessions.

Suggested approach

Read with momentum

Use chapter or section breaks to keep context while reading steadily

Best starting point

Begin with chapter one

The full text is ready with speech, lookup and saved progress.

CEFR-aligned Linden estimate · high confidence · sampled full text · Calibrated 2026-09-08 · Provisional, not an exam certification.

Table of contents

13 chapters

  1. 01The Human Machine · Part I8 min
  2. 02The Human Machine · Part II8 min
  3. 03The Human Machine · Part III8 min
  4. 04The Human Machine · Part IV8 min
  5. 05The Human Machine · Part V8 min
  6. 06The Human Machine · Part VI8 min
  7. 07The Human Machine · Part VII9 min
  8. 08The Human Machine · Part VIII8 min
  9. 09The Human Machine · Part IX8 min
  10. 10The Human Machine · Part X8 min
  11. 11The Human Machine · Part XI8 min
  12. 12The Human Machine · Part XII8 min
  13. 13The Human Machine · Part XIII6 min
Portrait of Arnold Bennett

Related author

Arnold Bennett

An English novelist, critic and essayist who wrote practical books about attention, time, reading and the craft of authorship.

Open author profile →

Read next

Related books

Continue through a connected subject, form or historical question.

Cover of Slips of Speech
Continue with Psychology & Personal Growth

Slips of Speech

John H. Bechtel

Language & Communication · B1–B2 · 4 hr
Start Reading

Search Linden

Find books, guides and ideas

Search titles, authors, English levels, reading goals, subjects, idea hubs, paths and chapter titles. Results explain why they matched. Press / anywhere.