“By the Waters of Babylon” is a short story written by Stephen Vincent Benét and first published in 1937. It’s a post-apocalyptic tale that explores themes of knowledge, truth, and the rise and fall of civilizations.
The story is told from the point of view of John, a young man from a tribal society that lives in a future, post-apocalyptic world. His people have strict religious rules, including prohibitions against entering the ruins of old cities, which they refer to as the “Place of the Gods.” Despite the taboos, John, who is training to be a priest, feels compelled to seek knowledge and undertakes a spiritual journey to this forbidden place.
When John finally reaches the ruins (which are revealed to be New York City), he realizes that the “gods” were actually humans—advanced people whose civilization was destroyed, likely by nuclear war or some technological disaster. This discovery transforms his understanding of the world and convinces him that it is time for his people to rebuild knowledge and move forward.
Benét wrote this story at a time when technology was accelerating, and global conflict (pre-WWII) loomed. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of technological hubris and a reminder that future generations might one day view our current society with the same awe and misunderstanding we often apply to ancient ruins.
