Subject
Creation -- Fiction Books
Best books
Richard Matheson
The Man Who Made the World
"The Man Who Made the World" by Richard Matheson is a science fiction story originally published in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a peculiar encounter between Dr. Janishefsky and a man named Smith, who claims to have created the world itself only five years ago. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of creation, reality, and existence, challenging the reader to consider the notion of origin and the responsibilities tied to creation. The story begins with Dr. Janishefsky, a psychiatrist, interviewing Mr. Smith, who insists that he crafted the world and everything in it from a state of boredom in the cosmos. Smith explains that while he initiated the world's complex existence, he has since lost control over it and fears that it will vanish if he dies. The dialogue between the doctor and Smith reveals the absurdity of Smith's claims, yet as the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that the line between creator and creation blurs dramatically. After Smith leaves, he is tragically struck by a car, leading to a mysterious vanishing of the world itself, leaving Dr. Janishefsky floating in the cosmos, perhaps as a mere figment of Smith's imagination. The narrative culminates in a thought-provoking twist on the nature of existence and the interplay between creator and created.
Alan J. Ramm
Test Problem
"Test Problem" by Alan J. Ramm is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative follows Jeremy Hovah, a student at a futuristic university, as he undertakes an examination that tests his ability to replicate an entire star system using his mental faculties. The story explores themes of creativity, responsibility, and the ethical implications of creation in a scientific context. In the story, Jeremy finds himself facing a challenging exam in Advanced Deliberation And Memory, where he must recreate a star system based on transmitted information. As he works on the project, he successfully generates planets, plants, and animals, immersing himself in the task for six long days. However, an unexpected creature emerges in his simulation, which he cannot bring himself to destroy, leading to a conflict with the instructor. The story ultimately concludes with Jeremy's failure to adhere to the rules about creation, highlighting the consequences of his actions and sparking contemplation about the nature of creation and sentience.
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