The Marching Morons

"The Marching Morons" by C. M. (Cyril M.) Kornbluth is a science fiction story examining a future world teetering on the edge of collapse, burdened by a population with extremely low intelligence. When Efim Hawkins, a humble potter, wakes up Honest John Barlow from a centuries-long sleep, Barlow finds a world vastly different and frightening. The story follows Barlow's schemes as he navigates this strangely new world, recognizing the potential to wield power over the society's dimwitted masses. It's a chilling commentary, with Barlow's quest for control highlighting the author's critique on the perils of widespread ignorance and the consequences of a society that undervalues intelligence.

Cyril M. Kornbluth was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S. D. Gottesman, Edward J. Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C. Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.