Desire No More

"Desire No More" by Algis Budrys is a science fiction story set in the early days of space exploration, and it follows Martin Isherwood, a determined young man consumed by the dream of flying the first rocket to the moon. He faces constant opposition, including his own father's disbelief, but remains focused on his goal of becoming a pilot. Even as he gains experience and gets closer to his dream, his obsession isolates him from others, leading to a successful but empty moon landing. A psychiatrist steps in during his mission; it is revealed that they have changed his perception of what he thought he knew, leaving him feeling that the wonder of this historic achievement has been stolen from him. What he thought he knew was not the case. The story is ultimately a thoughtful look at ambition, the sacrifices people make to achieve their goals, and the possibility that success alone isn't always enough.