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Definition

Written by Damon Knight

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Science FictionShort storiesHuman-alien encountersSpousesSpace travelersProselytizing

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About this book

"Definition" by Damon Knight is a science fiction short story penned in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a distant future where humankind navigates the vastness of space, grappling with encounters that challenge their understanding of identity and consciousness. At its core, the story delves into the complexities of human nature, particularly when faced with an enigmatic group known as the Kassids, who embody a philosophical concept that could dramatically alter human existence. The plot follows Charles and Midge Samson, a couple stationed in a segment of space known as Slice 103. When they receive a troubling report about a fellow traveler, Jackson, who has seemingly abandoned his post after a charismatic encounter with the Kassids, the Samsons are tasked with investigating this phenomenon. As they delve deeper, they discover that the Kassids are not a traditional race or empire but rather an idea that challenges the very foundation of what it means to be human. Through their exploration, they confront profound questions about love, peace, and the potential existential threat posed by a powerful, unifying belief system, ultimately leading to a painful realization about the nature of humanity and its place in the universe. The story culminates in a moral quandary about the essence of progress and the implications of change, leaving readers to ponder the weight of the philosophical revelations presented.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Definition, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 2 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • philosophical
  • thought-provoking

Damon Knight's "Definition" is a seminal 1950s science fiction short story set in a future where humanity explores space, confronting challenges to identity and consciousness. The narrative follows Charles and Midge Samson, who investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow traveler, Jackson, after his encounter with the enigmatic Kassids. The Kassids are revealed not as a race, but as a profound philosophical concept capable of fundamentally altering human existence. As the Samsons delve deeper, they grapple with complex questions about human nature, love, peace, and the potential existential threat posed by a unifying belief system. The story culminates in a deeply unsettling realization about humanity's place and the true cost of progress, leaving readers to ponder the weight of its philosophical revelations.

“"The Kassids aren't a people, Midge. They're an *idea*."”

Key themes

Identity and Consciousness
The central theme, explored through the Kassids' ability to challenge and potentially redefine what it means to be human. The story delves into whether individual identity is essential or an impediment to a higher state of consciousness or unity. It questions the boundaries of self and the implications of merging individual minds or essences into a collective.
The Nature of Progress and Utopia
The story critically examines the concept of 'progress,' particularly when it involves radical changes to human nature. The Kassids represent a potential utopian ideal of peace and unity, but the narrative questions the cost of such a utopia, suggesting that some forms of progress might entail an unacceptable loss of core human attributes, such as love, conflict, and individuality. It poses a moral quandary about whether all forms of 'advancement' are inherently good.
The Enigma of the Other
The story uses the Kassids as a representation of the 'Other' – something fundamentally different and challenging to human understanding. Unlike typical alien encounters, the Kassids are an 'idea,' making them even more enigmatic and difficult to categorize or combat. This theme explores humanity's reaction to the unknown and the profoundly alien, particularly when that 'alienness' is philosophical rather than biological, forcing introspection on what constitutes 'us' versus 'them.'

Worth discussing

How does the story challenge traditional definitions of 'humanity' and 'consciousness'?

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