Later Than You Think
Fritz Leiber
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Cosmic Horror
First published in Thrilling Wonder Stories in 1950
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Later Than You Think is a haunting meditation on civilization's impermanence. The story follows a returning space explorer who eagerly seeks details about a newly uncovered ancient species on Earth. Through a conversation with an archeologist, he learns about this lost civilization—their technology, their struggles, and their downfall. As the dialogue unfolds, the truth takes an unsettling turn, forcing the explorer (and the reader) to reconsider the fate of intelligence itself.
Leiber masterfully blends mystery and melancholy, leading to a chilling revelation about the identity of this extinct race. With eerie prescience, the story critiques humanity’s self-destructive tendencies, making it more relevant than ever.