Return from the Stars

Main Ideas

• Isolation and alienation: The main character, upon returning to Earth after a long space journey, experiences feelings of isolation and alienation from a society that has changed significantly during his absence.
• Ethics and morality: The book raises questions of ethics and morality related to technological and social changes, such as betrization—a process that removes aggression from people.
• Technological progress: Lem explores the impact of technological progress on human nature and society, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
• Psychological changes: The book examines the psychological changes that occur in people as a result of long space journeys and returning to a changed world.
• Social changes: The book explores changes in social structure and cultural norms that have occurred on Earth during the main character's absence.