The Pause

The Pause is a short story by Isaac Asimov, first published in 1954. The story is about a nuclear physicist named Alexander Johannison who discovers that radioactivity has disappeared from the Earth. He soon realizes that he is the only one who remembers it, and that everyone else has forgotten all about it.

The story explores the themes of memory, knowledge, and power. Johannison is initially horrified to find that he is the only one who remembers radioactivity, and he fears that the world is now vulnerable to nuclear attack. However, he eventually comes to realize that the disappearance of radioactivity is a chance for humanity to start over, without the threat of nuclear war.

The Pause is a thought-provoking story that raises important questions about the nature of knowledge and the power of memory. It is a reminder that even the most basic facts of our world can be changed, and that we must always be vigilant in protecting our knowledge and our way of life.

Award winning audiobook narrator Mike Vendetti brings this well-written and engaging short story to life and it is sure to leave listeners thinking about the implications of its premise. It is a classic example of Asimov's ability to take a simple idea and turn it into a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

© 2023 Mike Vendetti Productions (Audiobook): 9798368958224

Release date

Audiobook: May 3, 2023