Microcosmic God
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| "Microcosmic God" | |
| Author | Theodore Sturgeon |
|---|---|
| Country |  USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction short story |
| Media type | Print (Magazine) |
| Publication date | 1941 |
Microcosmic God is a science fiction short story by Theodore Sturgeon originally published in 1941.
[edit] Plot summary
A highly secretive amateur biochemist named Kidder produces inventions that transform human life, spanning every aspect of science and engineering. Unbeknownst to anyone, Kidder has developed a synthetic life form, which he calls "neoterics." These creatures live greatly accelerated lives so Kidder forced them to evolve quickly into highly intelligent lifeforms who fear Kidder and worship him like a god. The neoterics' lives depend on them adapting to new environmental pressures that Kidder creates and hence they develop technology far beyond that of humans. The neoterics are responsible for all the technology Kidder has made public, and much more besides.
Kidder's banker takes over the island on which he has built his laboratory, hoping to use a neoteric design for a new source of power to take over the world. When the banker strikes to kill Kidder and the workers who had assisted in building the power plant, Kidder asks the neoterics throw up an impenetrable force field.
The story ends years later. It is unknown whether or not Kidder is still alive under the shield, and certain that the neoterics have continued to develop technology far in excess of anything controlled by man. The reader is left to suppose that, if the neoterics were to decide to take the Earth, nothing would stop them.
Microcosmic God was among the stories selected in 1970 by the Science Fiction Writers of America as one the best science fiction short stories of all time. As such, it was published in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame Volume One, 1929-1964.
