Sense from Thought Divide

by Mark Clifton, Van Dongen (Contributor)

"Sense from Thought Divide" by Mark Irvin Clifton is a science fiction novel that explores the intriguing concept of mind-reading technology and its impact on society. Set in a future where telepathic communication is a reality, the story follows a group of scientists and government agents working on perfecting a machine that can translate human thoughts into words. As the technology advances, it brings about both fascination and fear, raising questions about privacy, ethics, and the very nature of human connection. The narrative delves into the personal lives of the characters as they grapple with the profound implications of their invention. The protagonist, Dr. John Markham, faces moral dilemmas as he witnesses the potential for abuse of this mind-reading technology. As the boundaries between public and private thoughts blur, the characters must navigate a world where secrets are hard to keep and true intimacy becomes a challenge. "Sense from Thought Divide" masterfully explores the convergence of science and humanity, inviting readers to consider the consequences of technological advancements on individual autonomy and interpersonal relationships.

Genres: Short Stories

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2007

About the author

Mark Irwin Clifton (1906 - Nov. 1963) was an American science fiction writer. Clifton began publishing in May of 1952 with the often anthologized story "What Have I Done?".

Most of his work fits into one of two series. The "Bossy" sequence was written alone, and in collaboration with both Alex Apostolides and Frank Riley. The "Ralph Kennedy" series, which is lighter in tone, was mostly written solo, including the novel "When They Come From Space", although there was one collaboration with Apostolides.

Clifton gained his greatest success with his novel They'd Rather Be Right (a.k.a. The Forever Machine), co-written with Riley, which was serialized in Astounding in 1954 and went on to win the Hugo Award, perhaps the most contentious novel ever to win the award.

Clifton is also known today for his short story "Star, Bright", his first of three appearances in Horace Gold's Galaxy (July 1952), about a super-intelligent toddler with psi abilities. From Clifton's correspondence we know that Gold "editorially savaged" the story, which appeared in severely truncated or altered form. The story has been compared favorably to Kuttner and Moore's "Mimsy Were the Borogoves", which was published in Astounding nine years earlier.

Clifton worked as a personnel manager during his life and interviewed close to 100,000 people. This experience formed much of Clifton's attitude about the delusions people entertain of themselves, but also the greatness of which they are capable.

Reviews

[William]

Entertaining listening 🎶🔰

Another will written fantasy magic adventure thriller short story by Mark Clifton about a swami is he real or not? I would recommend this novella to readers of fantasy novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of health issues. 2022 👒🗽🏡

[Luke John]

The era's fascination (at least in science fiction) with telekinesis/psychic abilities turns up in this short story of military investigation, but here tempered with a wry scepticism that helps to make the tale seem not as dated as it should.

[Axydlbaaxr Crichton]

The premise: The protagonist is tasked with finding 6 poltergeists to add the finishing touches to an antigravity machine for the military. But how to find a poltergeist if you are not a believer in such things? Would you know one if it stood before you?

Available from Project Gutenberg. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/22513/...