“He had had no experience in asking for a job with a big organization, and Mr. Dilling was making him aware of what a fine art it was--if you couldn't run a machine. A duel was under way.”

American novelist and short story writer of the mid-to-late 20th century He blended dark humor with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of war, human suffering, and the absurdity of existence in works like *Slaughterhouse-Five* and *Cat’s Cradle*. His distinctive, conversational style made complex ideas accessible and memorable.