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Cover of A Thought For Tomorrow

A Thought For Tomorrow

Written by Robert E. Gilbert

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Science FictionShort storiesPsychic abilityPsychiatric hospital patients

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About this book

"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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Thought For Tomorrow, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • surreal
  • philosophical
  • disorienting

Robert E. Gilbert's "A Thought For Tomorrow" is an early 1950s science fiction short story that blurs the lines between perception and reality through the eyes of its protagonist, Orville Potts. Confined to a psychiatric hospital, Orville experiences vivid delusions of time travel, believing his mind can transcend physical limitations. The narrative follows his surreal attempts to alter historical events and escape his oppressive environment, marked by abusive attendants and his own fractured sense of self. Ultimately, Orville's conviction culminates in a fantastical escape aboard a future spaceship, prompting a profound exploration of mental power, existence, and the nature of perceived reality.

“"They say I'm mad, but what if their 'reality' is merely a smaller cage?"”

Key themes

Perception vs. Reality
The central theme explores the subjective nature of reality. Orville's 'delusions' of time travel challenge the objective reality imposed by his hospital environment, prompting the reader to question which reality holds more truth or power. The story suggests that what one perceives can be as real, if not more potent, than external circumstances.
The Power of the Mind
This theme delves into the extraordinary capabilities of human consciousness, suggesting that the mind might possess powers beyond conventional scientific understanding. Orville's belief in his ability to time travel is portrayed as a testament to the mind's potential to transcend physical limitations, even to the point of altering or creating reality.
Escape and Confinement
The story powerfully explores the human desire for freedom in the face of physical and psychological confinement. Orville's literal imprisonment in the psychiatric hospital is mirrored by his internal struggle against the limitations imposed by his mental state and the external world. His time-traveling fantasies are a direct manifestation of his need to break free.

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