Let the Ants Try

"Let the Ants Try" by James MacCreigh is a science fiction novella written during the late 1940s. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where Dr. Salva Gordy, a scientist who survived the devastating Three-Hour War, discovers mutated ants that have the potential to evolve into a new dominant species. Themes of survival, the consequences of humanity's actions, and the notion of playing god permeate the narrative as Gordy grapples with his role in humanity's fate. In the story, Gordy, who has lost his family to the nuclear aftermath, encounters John de Terry, a stranger who shares his tragic circumstances. Together, they experiment with a time machine Gordy previously invented, leading them to an ancient Earth where they introduce mutated ants to the ecosystem in hopes of giving them a chance to thrive. However, their experiment goes awry, resulting in a horrifying confrontation with the evolved ants, who have become a sentient species. As the story unfolds, it explores the stark reality of their actions, ultimately leading to Gordy's realization of the catastrophic consequences of tampering with nature and the loss of humanity's place in the world. The novella serves as a cautionary tale about the hubris of mankind in the face of creation and the unintended ramifications of their scientific endeavors.