Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition) — page 69: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BELIEF — 67 “Yet scientists are willing to devote their lives to astrophysics.” “Scientists are people. They can’t reach the stars, so they make the best of it. But they can reach you and to be unable to touch your levitation would be infuriating.” “Jim, they haven’t even tried. You talk as though I’ve been studied. Jim, they won’t even consider the problem.” “They don’t have to. Your levita- tion is part of a whole class of pheno- mena that won’t be considered. Telepathy, clairvoyance, prescience and a thousand other extra-natural powers are practically never seriously investigated, even though reported with every appearance of reliability. Rhine’s experiments on E.S.P. have annoyed far more scientists than they have intrigued. So you see, they don’t have to study you to know they don’t want to study you. They know that in advance.” “Is this funny to you, Jim? Scien- tists refuse to investigate facts; they turn their back on the truth. And you just sit there and grin and make droll statements.” “No, Roger, I know it’s serious. And I have no glib explanations for mankind, really. ’'m giving you my thoughts. It’s what I think. But don’t you see? What I’m doing, really, is to try to look at things as they are. It’s what you must do. Forget your ideals, your theories, your notions -as to what people ought to do. Con- sider what they are doing. Once a person is oriented to face facts rather than delusions, problems tend to disappear. At the very least, they fall into their true perspective and become soluble.” Roger stirred restlessly. ‘Psychia- tric gobbledygook! It’s like putting your fingers on a man’s temple and saying, ‘Have faith and you will be cured!’ If the poor sap isn’t cured, it’s because he didn’t drum up enough faith. The witch doctor can’t lose.” “Maybe you're right, but let’s see. What is your problem?” ‘“‘No catechism, please. You know my probiem so let’s not horse around.” “You levitate. Is that it?” “Let's say it is. It'll do as a first approximation.” “You're not being serious, Roser, but actually you’re probably right. It’s only a first approximation. After all you’re tackling that problem. Jane tells me you’ve been experimenting.” “Experimenting! Ye gods, Jim, I’m not experimenting. I’m drifting. I need high-powered brains and equip- ment. I need a research team and I don’t have it.” ‘‘Then what’s your problem? Second approximation.” Roger said, “I see what you mean. My problem is to get a research team. But I’ve tried! Man, I’ve tried till I’m tired of trying.” “How have you tried?” “T’ve sent out letters. I’ve asked— Oh, stop it, Jim. I haven’t the heart to go through the patient-on-the-couch routine. You know what I’ve been doing.” “I know that you’ve said to people, ‘I have a problem. Help me.’ Have you tried anything else?’’ ‘Look, Jim. I’m dealing with mature scientists.”’ “IT know. So you reason that the straightforward request is sufficient. Again it’s theory against fact. I’ve told you the difficulties involved in your request. When you thumb a ride on a highway you're making a straightforward request, but most cars pass you by just the same. The point is that the straightforward request has failed. Now what’s your problem? Third approximation!” “To find another approach which won’t fail? Is that what you want me to say?” EComichbooksnco im