When I Grow Up

"When I Grow Up" by Richard E. Lowe is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. Set in the year A.D. 3896 at a vast University renowned for its broad study of human behavior, the book explores themes of child development through the rival theories of heredity and environment. The plot builds around a unique child named Herbux who expresses a singular desire to become a "Destructor," leading to unsettling discoveries about his abilities and the implications for his future. The narrative unfolds through the interactions between two professors, each representing opposing ideologies regarding human development and behavior. Professor Miltcheck von Possenfeller advocates for the influence of environment, while Dr. Arthur D. Smithlawn champions heredity. Their focus shifts dramatically when they encounter Herbux, a seemingly normal boy with an extraordinary power to kill living creatures with merely a glance. As the professors investigate Herbux's desire to be a Destructor, they grapple with the ethical implications of his abilities, questioning the nature of his talent and whether it stems from his environment or from something more inherent. Ultimately, the story raises profound questions about free will, the essence of childhood innocence, and the unpredictable outcomes of human development.