In a secluded valley, a young neophyte named Ortho witnesses the execution of his friend Gor Zan, who is cast over a precipice by the high-priest Kaliz and his under-priests. Ortho is horrified and accuses Kaliz of jealousy, claiming Gor Zan's wisdom posed no threat to the peaceful existence of the People. Kaliz explains that Gor Zan's ideas could lead the People back to ambition and the destructive path of science, which had previously caused humanity's downfall. Kaliz recounts the history of mankind, detailing how early humans, in their quest for safety and progress, developed weapons and engaged in wars that ultimately led to their near extinction. The remnants of humanity, transformed by radiation from catastrophic events, established a new civilization in the valley, where they outlawed science to prevent repeating past mistakes. Gor Zan, however, embodies the old ways, believing in the necessity of improvement through science. His creation of a simple machine, a wheelbarrow, symbolizes the dangerous return to technological advancement. Kaliz, determined to protect the People from the perils of the past, resolves to destroy Gor Zan's invention, emphasizing that the wheel represents the beginning of humanity's enslavement to machines. As Ortho grapples with the implications of Kaliz's teachings, he is torn between the allure of knowledge and the desire to maintain the idyllic life of the People. The narrative explores themes of progress versus stagnation, the consequences of ambition, and the struggle between tradition and innovation. Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of technological advancement and the importance of preserving a harmonious existence.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Philosophical Fiction