Everybody knows Joe

"Everybody Knows Joe" by C. M. Kornbluth is a science fiction short story that humorously examines identity and self-perception. Narrated by someone sharing a mind with Joe, a rather conceited young man, the story follows Joe through his ordinary day of library research and dinner with his friend Maggie. The narrator provides witty commentary on Joe’s arrogance and lack of insight, especially during a conversation about a music record mix-up, where Joe tries to appear more intelligent than he is. This contrast creates a compelling portrait of Joe as both likable and exasperating, prompting readers to consider the complex nature of identity within themselves.