> a time traveler "will" change the course of history in the long run
Going by the current recognized (theoretically possible) understanding of time travel based on Einstein's theory of special relativity[0] it would be only possible to travel in the future (near or distant based on technology that is not yet available).
Travel back would not be possible. And for the entire period of the time jumped the person(s) would not be present.
Based on this theory alone the time travelers would not be able to change history.
Depending on how far they travel I doubt they'd be able to change the future either.
Going by the current recognized (theoretically possible) understanding of time travel based on Einstein's theory of special relativity[0] it would be only possible to travel in the future (near or distant based on technology that is not yet available).
Travel back would not be possible. And for the entire period of the time jumped the person(s) would not be present.
Based on this theory alone the time travelers would not be able to change history.
Depending on how far they travel I doubt they'd be able to change the future either.
[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6999933