When a proud ship is in dire peril in the gulfs between the planets it takes a navigator of heroic mold to bring her safely to port without a single wasted motion. Men either stand or fall by their inner resources, chronicled with a documentary-type realism that adds a new side to the bright, prophetic horizons of tomorrow.
The story explores the tension between statistical predictions made for groups and the unpredictable nature of individual intuition. Charles Bascomb, a statistical analyst, grapples with the implications of his work when he encounters anomalies in insurance claims tied to the influence of Dr. J. Coleman Magruder, who promotes intuitive decision-making. As Bascomb begins to experience his own intuition, he faces a conflict between the structured world of statistics and the chaotic potential of individual insight.The story critiques institutions (like insurance) that prioritize profits over people, revealing ethical dilemmas in their operations. This is a commentary on how modern systems can become detached from the individuals they serve, leading to exploitation.
