H.G Wells' classic novella "The Time Machine" was published in 1895 fully ten years before Albert Einstein first published his "Special Theory of Relativity". Among its consequences, which are now readily accepted , are that "Time Dialation" can occur between separate observers based on their relative speed of travel or location in reference to planetary bodies. In other words, how we experience time is relative to our location and rate of speed. Given this time travel becomes a possibility. Wells was born in an age of steam power and before the invention of dynamite and yet his works prophecied accurately the invention of wireless communication, lasers, and answering machines. I can't help but think that Einstein must have read Wells. If he did perhaps a bit of credit is in order.
Every great human accomplishment was preceeded by the ability to dream or imagine. Some one had to dream of flight before anyone could hope of inventing an airship. Wells drempt of a Universe where time could be manipulated and then scientists postulated that he was right. The direct effect of art and imagination on human discovery cannot be overestimated.
Of course this conversation would not be occurring were it not for the fact that Wells could spin a great tale. "Time Machine" holds your imagination and takes your mind on a journey that under current technology can only be experienced through books. One wonders what our planet and mankind will be like in a thousand years. Wells asks what state mankind will enjoy in a million years. If you havn't managed to read this book in its 115 years of existence, you've waisted a lot of time.
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