A
Alan Edward Nourse
American writer and physician
If, February 1958
This issue of If magazine from February 1958 features a stellar lineup of science fiction short stories and novelettes. Explore the concept of 'The Feeling of Power' with Isaac Asimov, join a 'Contamination Crew' on a dangerous mission, and witness the struggles of 'The Barbarians.' This collection offers a diverse range of speculative fiction from some of the genre's most celebrated authors.
This story is widely cited as an early exploration of technological deskilling and human dependence on automation, themes that have become increasingly relevant in the era of modern artificial intelligence and GPS navigation.
Many of the stories featured in this issue, particularly Isaac Asimov's The Feeling of Power, have been reprinted extensively in various retrospective collections and anthologies, including Asimov's own Nine Tomorrows and Robot Dreams.