Sense from Thought Divide

Sense from Thought Divide by Mark Clifton asks what separates conviction from capability in a sharp, searching blend of psychology, science, and literary wit. A swami, a skeptical secretary, a personnel director from Computer Research, and a red-faced Pentagon lieutenant set the stage for a probing inquiry into identity, self-deception, and the social masks people wear. Clifton teases out the question of who is a "phony"—the sincere fraud, the capable doubter, or the believer who mistakes performance for truth—without ever losing sight of human vulnerability. Set against the midcentury backdrop of early computing and military bureaucracy, the story marries crisp dialogue and satirical observation with deeper philosophical concerns about perception, memory, and authority. Its compact narrative illuminates how institutions and technology shape belief, while Clifton’s perceptive character work keeps the drama intensely personal. Ideal for listeners who appreciate literary fiction that reads like a psychological case study, Sense from Thought Divide will appeal to fans of thoughtful short fiction, midcentury speculative writing, and anyone fascinated by the interplay of science and human judgment. Listen for the moral questions as much as for the clever, character-driven storytelling.