A Thought For Tomorrow

"A Thought For Tomorrow" by Robert E. Gilbert is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. This narrative explores the boundaries of perception and reality, focusing on the protagonist, Orville Potts, who grapples with his mental state in a psychiatric hospital. The book delves into themes of time travel and the power of the mind, suggesting that the limitations of reality may be transcended by sheer thought. The story follows Orville Potts, who resides in a mental hospital and experiences vivid daydreams and time-traveling fantasies. He believes he can transport himself through time and space, attempting to engage with historical events and figures. Through a series of surreal episodes, Potts reveals his struggles with the pressures of his environment including abusive attendants and his own distorted perceptions. Ultimately, in a bid to escape the confines of his reality, Potts succeeds in transporting himself into the future on a spaceship, suggesting a profound yet whimsical reflection on the nature of existence and the capacity of the mind.