A Beautiful Mind is the English title for the famous novel by Richard Matheson also known as Forrest Gump The novel is a work of fiction but the events and characters in it are based on real-life events and people The story of Forrest Gump ( Forrest Gump) a man who has a unique perspective on life begins in the early 1950s when he is a young man who has just returned from World War II Gump is struggling to adjust to his new home and to fit in with his peers especially since he has a physical condition that makes him look young for his age As Gump grows up, he meets many different people including his mother, his father, his best friend and his wife Jenny He also learns about the war, the political climate and the struggles of everyday life in the 1950s G Gump's journey throughout the novel follows him on a journey of self-discovery and growth He learns to embrace his unique perspective on life and to make decisions based on his values and beliefs Ultimately Gump's journey results in him achieving success and happiness even in the face of difficult circumstances The novel is a powerful work of fiction that explores themes of love loss family and self-discovery It has been widely recognized and loved by readers all over the world and is often considered one of the greatest works of fiction of all time