Desire No More

Desire No More is a science fiction novel by Algis Budrys, written in the early 1950s. The story follows Martin Isherwood, a young man determined to pilot the first manned rocket to the moon, facing societal disbelief and personal doubts. As he achieves recognition in his field, he becomes increasingly isolated, leading to a critical moment of success that ultimately feels hollow due to his lack of personal connections. The narrative explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the psychological costs of single-minded pursuits.