To Each His Own

"To Each His Own" by Jack Sharkey is a science fiction narrative that was published in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a group of Venusians who make their first contact with Earth, only to discover an eerie and abandoned planet instead of the bustling civilization they expected. The narrative unfolds in a dystopian setting, exploring themes of communication, misunderstanding, and the fragility of life across different worlds. As the Venusians prepare for their mission, they land in Times Square, but they find the streets empty and silent. Despite their advanced technology and mission to establish peaceful contact with Earth’s inhabitants, they are met with a ghostly landscape devoid of life. As each member of the crew explores different continents, they encounter only the remnants of civilization and roaming carnivorous creatures. In their quest for answers, they theorize about the disappearance of Earth’s population, speculating on possible cataclysms or societal collapse. Ultimately, they uncover evidence suggesting a recent disaster that has decimated life on Earth, leaving them to wonder why such a vibrant planet has turned into a desolate shadow of its former self. The story concludes with an ambiguous reflection on the environmental and existential challenges that ultimately claimed the Earth’s life, presenting a cautionary tale about the fate of civilizations.