The Push of a Finger

"The Push of a Finger" by Alfred Bester is a science fiction novella originally published in the magazine Astounding Science-Fiction during the early 1940s. The narrative explores the intricate relationship between individual actions and their profound impact on the universe, concentrating on the idea that even the smallest decision can lead to catastrophic consequences. The story delves into themes of societal stability and the ethical implications of predictive technologies. The plot follows John Carmichael, a reporter for the "Times", who makes an unauthorized visit to the mysterious Prog Building, a center for Prognostication where the future of society is calculated and monitored. There, he learns about a prophecy foretelling the obliteration of the universe, which is linked to a past actor named FitzJohn whose theories underlie societal functions. As he and the officials wrestle with the challenge of preventing this impending doom, the narrative also examines the importance of preserving individual lives and the ethical conundrum of manipulating fate. Carmichael ultimately finds himself entangled in a web of secrecy and societal control, illustrating the complex interplay of personal responsibility and systemic stability in a dystopian future.