Introduction
First published in the debut issue of Dynamic Science Fiction (Volume 1, Number 1) in 1952, “Ennui”, was written by Milton Lesser and it departs from the typical “space opera” tropes of the era. Instead of focusing on alien invasions or technological marvels, Lesser invites the reader into the claustrophobic confines of a domestic dispute that spirals into a profound crisis. The story acts as a perfect entry point into the “idea-driven” science fiction that defined the 1950.
Plot Summary of "Ennui"
Gerald discovers his wife, Gloria, in their home with another man, Phil. In a fit of rage and humiliation, Gerald thinks, “You don’t exist”—and Phil vanishes. Gerald has become a practical solipsist—someone who can turn the philosophical theory that only he exists into a physical reality.
Solipsism Taken to Its Logical Extreme
Solipsism (from the Latin solus ipse — “self alone”) is the philosophical idea that only your own mind is sure to exist. Imagine you are just a brain floating in a lab, hooked up to a supercomputer. The machine feeds you the sensation of reading this or feeling things around you. In this scenario, you cannot prove that the sensation, the computer, or the lab actually exist. In fact, the only thing you can prove exists is the consciousness itself.
“Ennui” is a piece of philosophical horror that takes a common thought experiment and follows it to an apocalyptic conclusion. Each step follows naturally from the last. On top of that, once Gerald can eliminate anything that bothers him, there is no reason for him to stop.
Gerald’s solipsism is terrifying because it seems rational from his perspective. If nothing else truly exists—if everything is just his imagination—then destroying it has no moral weight. Narcissists struggle to accept that others have inner lives as real as their own. Gerald represents these tendencies taken to a metaphysical level.
The horror here lies in watching someone with no internal checks on their behaviour. Most of us refrain from harm because others will suffer, society will punish us, or it violates our values. As a result, Gerald has no such barriers once others no longer truly exist.
Boredom as the Ultimate Villain
The title “Ennui” (French for profound boredom or listlessness) tells the story’s true subject. A villain who hates can be reasoned with, opposed, or understood. Gerald is beyond all that. He is simply… uninterested. Women bore him. Earth bores him. Even existence bores him. This reflects a mid-century existential anxiety. Indeed, post-WWII prosperity brought comfort—but also ennui.
The ending is deeply philosophical. Gerald references David Hume’s bundle theory—the idea that the self is just a collection of perceptions with no underlying unity. Alone in an infinite void, Gerald realises he cannot create, only destroy. Worse still, he may not truly exist either. He contemplates self-annihilation, but even that offers no escape.
Author: Milton Lesser
Stephen Marlowe (born Milton Lesser) had a remarkable dual career. As Milton Lesser, he published novels and over 100 short stories in science fiction magazines. “Ennui” represents his philosophical period—dark, idea-driven stories. Apart from this, he created Chester Drum, a globe-trotting private detective. He later legally adopted his pen name, Stephen Marlowe, becoming a successful mystery author.
Lesser won prizes for fictional autobiographies of historical figures like Columbus and Cervantes. These works blended history, fiction, and philosophical inquiry. In addition, he earned his degree in philosophy, which explains the sophisticated engagement with solipsism and Hume’s bundle theory.
My Thoughts
The thought of being Gerald—conscious, eternal, and alone in an infinite void—is genuinely nightmarish. The story functions as a warning about narcissism. Gerald treats others as props in his drama, existing only to serve his needs. Yet, I have sympathy for Gerald’s final predicament. He made terrible choices, but his punishment—eternal boredom in absolute nothingness—exceeds any crime. We need others for existential reasons to give meaning to existence.
Wrapping Up
Lesser’s contribution shows that unlimited power plus human psychology equals universal destruction—not from evil, but from boredom. The greatest threat is indifference. That is the burden and gift of consciousness. Despite this, the alternative—Gerald’s void—is much worse.
We keep trying. Connection, however flawed, is the only cure.
Other stories from Dynamic Science Fiction
Another vintage pulp magazine:
Science Wonder Stories, Vol. 1, No. 2
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, Vol. 1, No. 1
Original Dynamic Science Fiction issue at the Internet Archive.
Disclaimer: The story featured on this page is in the public domain. However, the original authorship, magazine credits, and any associated illustrations remain the property of their respective creators, illustrators and publishers. This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and may not be used for commercial sale.