ancient times clarke story

[steve04]

Hello earthlings.

I am trying to recall a story by Arthur Clarke.

During ancient earth at the beginning of human evolution, there were two rival villager groups.

The passive group observes a large obscure crystal placed in its path, and evolves quickly to overcome the threats of the other group.

I would like to know the story title.

Thanks.

Steve

[B5B7]

That sounds like the beginning of his novel 2001: a space odyssey, which means that you probably read the short story Encounter in the Dawn.

[steve04]

Quite close, but wrong.

Encounter in the Dawn is a different story, published probably in the same edition.

[steve04]

Yes, I have found that the moonwatcher story was indeed from the 2001 novel.

I would like to know if there are any other publications/movies with a similar writing theme/technique.

Thanks

Steve

[zachariah]

If the idea of aliens kick-starting human civilisation floats your boat, there's a whole sub-genre of SF devoted to it. Chariots Of The Gods should be taken as an elaborate work of fiction, though it is presented as fact, and there are many novels based on the theories espoused by the slightly mad Von Daniken.

Arthur C also wrote Cradle which has similar elements, though the tone of the book is very different.

[steve04]

Thanks to Zachariah for his views.

Yes I would like to reboot earthlings/other civilizations, so would appreciate further info.


Steve