Black Eyes and the Daily Grind

"Black Eyes and the Daily Grind" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the bizarre consequences that arise when a couple, Judd and Lindy Whitney, bring an unusual creature from Venus, named Black Eyes, back to Earth. The book explores themes of adaptation, the effects of extraneous stimuli on both living beings and society, and showcases how a seemingly innocuous pet can lead to a city-wide phenomenon of apathy and inertia. The story begins with Judd and Lindy on a hunting trip in the exotic jungles of Venus, where they encounter the peculiar creature Black Eyes, which has the unique ability to emit waves that induce a sense of laziness and relaxation in surrounding organisms. After bringing Black Eyes back to their bustling New York home, its presence disrupts life in the city as individuals become increasingly lethargic, resulting in a complete standstill in productivity. As chaos ensues, scientists attempt to comprehend Black Eyes' influence, concluding that its ability to induce calm poses a threat to societal function. Ultimately, the Whitneys face a heartbreaking decision regarding Black Eyes' fate as they seek a solution to quell the crisis while grappling with their emotional attachment to the creature.