American billionaire George B. Stefenson is on a business trip through Europe when, due to his heavy workload, he suffers a heart attack. The doctor called to his aid, Dr. Hartung, strongly advises him to take a three-month break—in other words, to take a “vacation from himself.” After some hesitation, Stefenson agrees and also commits to funding the project, since an institution offering such a program has so far existed only as a dream in the doctor’s mind. As part of the “vacation from the self,” all participants are given a new first name and work clothes so they do not have to reveal their true identities to any of the other residents.
