In the story Button, Button by Richard Matheson Early life Matheson was born in Allendale, New Jersey, to Norwegian immigrants Bertolf and Fanny Matheson. They divorced when he was eight, and he was raised in Brooklyn, New York, by his mother. Richard Matheson - Wikipedia the theme of the story is don't let money get the best of you. Listen to the people who love you. Remember if you push the button you can kill someone you love or some one you don't know.