I love Ray Bradbury - I did a year-long project on him in high school, it was a lot of fun. And I second The Left Hand of Darkness - that is an *awesome* book.
I am far more fond of science fiction short stories than I am of non-sci-fi short stories. I think they do a better job of pointing out aspects of human nature by using alien cultures to highlight or contrast certain aspects of humanity. A particular favorite is "The Road Not Taken" by Harry Turtledove which explores what humanities' reaction would be if we encountered a culture that was less advanced that ours with one glaring exception. I think it would fit your theme well.
"The Streets of Ashkelon" by Harry Harrison highlights the problems with trying to evangelize a species without bothering to try and understand them first.
“Double Dare” in The Cube Root of Uncertainty by Robert Silverberg. I love this story, it is about how humans can accomplish what they thought was impossible if they think they have to. It involves aliens.
“The Screwfly Solution” by Raccoona Sheldon (pen name) How an alien species takes over Earth without having to fire a shot.
“Cloak of Anarchy” by Larry Niven Why government matters. Though I don't think this one fits your theme of aliens and space travel.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-03-07 12:37 am (UTC)I am far more fond of science fiction short stories than I am of non-sci-fi short stories. I think they do a better job of pointing out aspects of human nature by using alien cultures to highlight or contrast certain aspects of humanity. A particular favorite is "The Road Not Taken" by Harry Turtledove which explores what humanities' reaction would be if we encountered a culture that was less advanced that ours with one glaring exception. I think it would fit your theme well.
"The Streets of Ashkelon" by Harry Harrison highlights the problems with trying to evangelize a species without bothering to try and understand them first.
“Double Dare” in The Cube Root of Uncertainty by Robert Silverberg. I love this story, it is about how humans can accomplish what they thought was impossible if they think they have to. It involves aliens.
“The Screwfly Solution” by Raccoona Sheldon (pen name)
How an alien species takes over Earth without having to fire a shot.
“Cloak of Anarchy” by Larry Niven
Why government matters. Though I don't think this one fits your theme of aliens and space travel.
I hope that helps!