The Sense of Wonder

"The Sense of Wonder" by Stephen Marlowe is a science fiction story from the early 1950s that looks at human curiosity and the search for meaning in a world run by technology. It follows Rikud, a man on a spaceship, struggling with his feelings of loneliness and confusion as machines control every part of his life. Rikud's world starts to change when he sees different things happening with the stars outside, which sets him off on a path to find himself. He starts to understand the limits of his machine-controlled world, and through talks with Chuls and Crifer, he questions what he wants, what drives him, and what life really means. His search leads him to discover hidden clues about a different world, pushing him to make a brave decision. The story comes to a head when Rikud escapes the machines and finds a lively garden, where he feels like he belongs and connects with others, including women, starting a promising fresh chapter in his life.