"The Waters of Babylon"

"The Waters of Babylon" is a short story by Stephen Vincent Benét that depicts a future society where a young man explores a forbidden, ruined city believed to be New York. Through his journey, he uncovers the truth about humanity’s past—its knowledge, technology, and mistakes—and learns that what was once considered sacred or dangerous was simply human progress lost to time. The story explores themes of curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the humility needed to understand history, highlighting how understanding our past shapes our identity and future.