| "2 B R 0 2 B" | |
|---|---|
| Short story by Kurt Vonnegut | |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction |
| Publication | |
| Published in | Worlds of If Science Fiction |
| Publication type | Magazine |
| Publication date | January 1962 |
"2 B R 0 2 B" is a science fiction short story by Kurt Vonnegut, originally published in the digest magazine If: Worlds of Science Fiction in January 1962, and later collected in Vonnegut's Bagombo Snuff Box (1999). The title is pronounced "2 B R naught 2 B" and references the famous phrase "to be, or not to be" from William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The story explores themes of overpopulation, government control, and the value of human life, showcasing Vonnegut’s characteristic blend of dark humor and social commentary.