A Little Knowledge by R. R. Winterbotham

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Author Winterbotham, R. R. (Russell Robert), 1904-1971
Illustrator Emshwiller, Ed, 1925-1990
Title A Little Knowledge
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "A Little Knowledge" by R. R. Winterbotham is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of interplanetary life and the inherent dangers of human ambition, as an alien named Olbu visits Earth to assess whether humanity poses a threat to the galaxy. The story reflects the burgeoning interest in space exploration and societal introspection prevalent during this time. The plot centers around a telecast featuring Olbu, the alien ambassador from the planet Xvik, and Earth scientists Dr. Bruber and broadcaster Ralph Rodkey. As Olbu shares his observations about humanity, he observes that Earthmen are ambitious and dangerous — an assessment that sparks discussions about the future of mankind. Through moments of humor and tension, Olbu reveals his planet's view of Earthlings and the possibility that they may need to be eliminated for the safety of the universe. However, the story takes a twist when Dr. Bruber informs Olbu that his home star has gone supernova, leaving the alien stranded on Earth. Ultimately, the story comments on the cyclical patterns of ambition and destruction inherent in human nature and hints that the fate Olbu feared for humanity may be the one his own kind has already faced. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction
Subject Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
Subject Television programs -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 59616
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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