We're Civilized!

We're Civilized! is a science fiction novella by Mark Clifton, written in the early 1950s. The story follows Captain Griswold and his crew as they land on Mars, initially believing they are the planet's first explorers. They encounter a sophisticated Martian society that lives in harmony with their environment, challenging human notions of civilization and superiority. The narrative critiques colonialism and explores the flawed definitions of intelligence and civilization, ultimately leading to tragic consequences as human arrogance clashes with Martian values.