Later Than You Think

"Later Than You Think" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction tale that questions what it means to be intelligent and civilized. An Explorer, disappointed by the emptiness of space, finds renewed interest on Earth, where an Archeologist has unearthed traces of a forgotten, clever species. As the Archeologist shares details of their culture, technology, and eventual downfall—possibly due to unchecked feelings— the Explorer sees unsettling similarities between this lost race and humanity. The story travels into the themes of decline and the fleeting nature of civilizations, inviting readers to think about the future of our own species and the echoes we might leave behind.