The Futurological Congress

Brief Overview

«The Futurological Congress» is a satirical science fiction novel by Stanisław Lem, in which the protagonist, Ijon Tichy, attends a futurological congress in Costa Rica. Throughout the events, he encounters a world where reality and illusions intertwine due to the widespread use of psychotropic substances. Tichy experiences numerous absurd and grotesque situations that raise questions about the nature of human perception, mind manipulation, and the future of society. The novel explores themes of utopia and dystopia, while also critiquing modern society and its drive to control the individual.