"Fiction is simply dreams written out. Science fiction consists of the hopes and dreams and fears (for some dreams are nightmares) of a technically based society."

—John W. Campbell

These stories share a common concept: man has dreamed for centuries about space flight, about happiness, about immortality. If only I could fly to the moon, he has told himself, if only I could find true happiness, if only I could live forever ... then I would be like a god. These stories, however, explore these dreams to the fullest... including the unforeseen consequences. The power of man to dream and make his dreams come true is unlimited, but each step forward must be paid for, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and some dreams are nightmares...