Asimov wrote about something like that. The End Of Eternity deals with (among other things) the concept of the “minimum necessary change” to produce the “maximum desired result” when using time travel to change history. That civilization has massive computational and research operations in order to work this out before they permit anyone to actually change something.
For example (of the concept – not one used in the novel), by moving a salt shaker to the other side of the table on a particular day, Hitler has to get up in order to put salt on his breakfast. This delays him by a minute, causing him to miss the bus, so he has to wait for the next one. While waiting, he meets an art professor who recognizes him and really likes his paintings. The professor convinces him to stick with art, so he never goes into politics….
Ida No about 6 years ago
No one likes a smartass alien dude.
shamino about 6 years ago
Asimov wrote about something like that. The End Of Eternity deals with (among other things) the concept of the “minimum necessary change” to produce the “maximum desired result” when using time travel to change history. That civilization has massive computational and research operations in order to work this out before they permit anyone to actually change something.
For example (of the concept – not one used in the novel), by moving a salt shaker to the other side of the table on a particular day, Hitler has to get up in order to put salt on his breakfast. This delays him by a minute, causing him to miss the bus, so he has to wait for the next one. While waiting, he meets an art professor who recognizes him and really likes his paintings. The professor convinces him to stick with art, so he never goes into politics….
Stephen Gilberg about 6 years ago
There are plenty of nonviolent alternatives. The “Wikihistory” page includes someone merely giving Hitler an art scholarship, for example.
Mad Sci about 6 years ago
All the points of history that come down to a particular pair of persons being in the mood at a given moment. Sperm don’t store well day to day.