A trick of the mind

In Short

A trick of the mind is a compact piece of mid-century science fiction that follows Paul Donovan, a man who discovers he can manipulate physical objects with his thoughts. What begins as a lighthearted experiment in a bar quickly escalates into grand larceny and a brush with the law. The story remains memorable for its tight pacing and its cynical, grounded approach to the "superpower" trope. By focusing on the protagonist's impulsive nature and immediate feelings of superiority, it transforms a fantastical premise into a cautionary tale about human greed.

The Story

The narrative begins in a bar, where Paul Donovan experiences a strange physical paralysis that rapidly evolves into a terrifying, exhilarating awakening. He realizes his mind has become detached and capable of moving objects—starting with his own martini glass—without any physical effort. Initially, Paul views this development with detached amusement. He is not interested in analyzing the origin of this power; he is far more interested in the immediate, intoxicating thrill of being able to control his environment.

As his confidence grows, Paul becomes patronizing and cruel. He uses his ability to humiliate a pompous stranger by spilling a drink on him, and he amuses himself by manipulating the belongings of others. The shift from petty mischief to serious crime happens almost instinctively. When he notices an armored truck parked outside, his mind acts on its own, and he finds himself in possession of a briefcase overflowing with banknotes.

The weight of the stolen money brings an immediate, cold reality to his situation. Panic sets in as a suspicious, observant patron identifies Paul as the man who drinks without lifting his glass. When the police arrive to investigate, Paul is caught off guard by the incriminating contents of his bag spilling onto the floor. He is taken to the station, where he faces a desk sergeant and two increasingly confused officers.

Just as the situation reaches its breaking point, the reality of his theft begins to unravel. When the briefcase is opened in front of the authorities, the money has vanished, replaced by mundane personal items. The police are left bewildered, feeling the victim of a prank, while Paul is released. Walking home, he reflects on the terrifying fragility of his situation. He realizes that his mind, which had "come unstuck" at the crucial moment, has returned the money to its rightful place. Chastened and frightened by the ease with which he nearly ruined his life, Paul commits to a life of normalcy, resolving to abandon both his mental tricks and his drinking habits in favor of earning his living the honest, "hard" way.

How It Unfolds

The onset of ability Paul sits at a bar and discovers he has lost control of his body, only to realize he has gained control over inanimate objects. He moves his martini glass with a thought, feeling a sense of superiority over the other patrons.

The escalation of greed Driven by a desire for excitement, Paul begins to use his power to play cruel pranks and steal money from the bar's cash drawer. He eventually maneuvers a large sum of cash from an armored truck into his own briefcase.

The confrontation A suspicious customer alerts the police to Paul’s strange behavior, leading to a tense standoff in the bar. When the briefcase accidentally opens, the police witness the stolen money and decide to escort Paul to the station.

The vanishing act At the police station, the money mysteriously disappears from the briefcase, replaced by trivial items like lead pencils. The police, convinced they are the butt of a pointless joke, release Paul in frustration.

The final resolution Paul walks home, reflecting on how his mind intervened to return the stolen goods. He resolves to leave his psychic powers behind, choosing a life of honest work over the volatile temptation of his own thoughts.

The People

Paul Donovan is the central figure, an ordinary man who finds his dormant brain power suddenly unlocked. He is characterized by his impulsivity and a quick slide from curiosity into hubris and petty malice. By the end, he is humbled by the terrifying potential of his own nature. The "little man" with the ingrown chin serves as the catalyst for the conflict; he is observant and fearful, acting as the eyes of the law against Paul’s secret. The two policemen—one a disillusioned veteran and the other a younger, idealistic officer—provide the grounded, bureaucratic foil to Paul’s supernatural antics, ultimately feeling like pawns in a situation they cannot comprehend. The desk sergeant, world-weary and cynical, represents the final wall of reality that forces the absurdity of the situation to reach its conclusion.

In Its Own Voice

The average person uses about ten percent of his mind. The rest lies dormant. But Donovan's whole brain suddenly went into action.

This observation sets the stage for the book's core premise regarding the untapped potential of human consciousness.

If he could manipulate his new-found power so cleverly, why not do something truly epic?

This thought captures the moment Paul’s initial curiosity gives way to the reckless ambition that defines his descent into crime.

What It's Really About

The book is a meditation on the danger of unchecked power and the corrupting nature of effortless gain. It argues that a person’s moral character is the only reliable regulator of their influence. By presenting the protagonist’s power as a "trick of the mind" that can be turned on or off, the story questions whether humanity is truly equipped to handle radical changes in ability. It suggests that without a foundation of discipline, intelligence and capability are merely conduits for disaster. The central irony is that Paul finds his power most "epic" when he is using it for theft, but he finds his true "ease" only when he abandons the shortcut and returns to the structure of everyday life.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy concise, "twilight-zone" style science fiction will find this a satisfying, quick read. It is a product of its time, reflecting the mid-century fascination with the untapped potential of the human brain. The prose is brisk and direct, focusing entirely on the protagonist's internal and external reactions to his situation.

The story does not shy away from the casual, mid-century attitudes toward women and the workplace—elements that show their age—but these serve to anchor the story in its specific, gritty urban setting. What stays with you is the sudden, jarring shift from the thrill of the supernatural to the mundane, bureaucratic reality of a police station. It captures that specific, anxious feeling of having something powerful and dangerous that you are not entirely sure how to control. If you appreciate stories that examine the thin veneer of social order and the potential for chaos lurking within an ordinary person, this tale provides a sharp, focused look at the consequences of having exactly what you think you want.