Later Than You Think by Fritz Leiber

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About this eBook

Author Leiber, Fritz, 1910-1992
Title Later Than You Think
Note Reading ease score: 67.3 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "Later Than You Think" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of intelligence, extinction, and the nature of civilization through the interaction between an Explorer and an Archeologist who examines the remains of a previously unknown intelligent species that once inhabited Earth. The story contemplates the significance of their existence and the inevitability of cultural and species decline. In the story, the Explorer returns from an interstellar journey, disillusioned after failing to find intelligent life in space. Intrigued by the Archeologist's recent discovery of artifacts from an ancient, intelligent species, he becomes eager to learn more about them. The Archeologist describes the species as somewhat similar to humanity, highlighting their cultural achievements, technological advances, and eventual decline, potentially due to their inability to manage their emotions and aspirations. Throughout their conversation, the Explorer grapples with a sense of melancholy understanding as he recognizes the parallels between the lost species and humanity itself, culminating in a reflection on the impermanence of all civilizations. The story ends on a poignant note, emphasizing the shared fate of intelligent beings and the remnants they leave behind. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Category Text
EBook-No. 50753
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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