Wainer

"Wainer" by Michael Shaara is a science fiction story set in a future where technology has boosted human intelligence, creating outcasts of those who can't keep up. The story, told through the memories of a friend, follows William Wainer, a talented composer labeled a "Reject," as he struggles to find meaning and belonging in a world that leaves him behind. Wainer faces personal hardships and societal barriers that prevent him from achieving his dreams of traveling through space. Ultimately, he discovers that his existence is a vital part of humanity's progress. In a moving end, Wainer finds peace and recognition, signifying humanity's leap into a new era, as he journeys beyond.