What Is the Title of This Sci-Fi Book with a Hero on a Multispecies Spaceship?

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The discussion centers around a search for a specific science fiction paperback read over fifty years ago, featuring a hero on a spaceship with thirty aliens from different planets who initially ignore each other due to a lack of common language. The protagonist attempts to change this dynamic through persistent efforts, including fistfighting, which ultimately encourages the aliens to engage. The title "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester was suggested but deemed not to match the plot. Additionally, there is a mention of how this concept could resonate with the producers of Star Trek, as it aligns with themes of conflict resolution through physical confrontation.
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Over fifty years ago I read a paperback that impressed me but I don't recall the title or author. Little help?

The hero somehow finds himself on a spaceship with thirty other aliens, each from a different planet. They have no common language. They ignore one another. The hero rejects this status quo and decides to fistfight his way to the top. He can't do this, but his persistent efforts bring the others out of their shell. ?
 
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Could it be: "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester? (I was curious and asked ChatGPT!)
 
Doc Al said:
Could it be: "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester? (I was curious and asked ChatGPT!)
No resemblance.
 
Oh well! :frown:
 
Hornbein said:
Over fifty years ago I read a paperback that impressed me but I don't recall the title or author. Little help?

The hero somehow finds himself on a spaceship with thirty other aliens, each from a different planet. They have no common language. They ignore one another. The hero rejects this status quo and decides to fistfight his way to the top. He can't do this, but his persistent efforts bring the others out of their shell. ?
Sounds like a plot the producers behind Star Trek would absolutely love! :)

I don't know if it's apocryphal but I've read somewhere that the producers decided to do the pilot because they liked that it was resolved by a good old-fashioned fist-fight.
 
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