Lem, Drugs, Consequences, and Sci-Fi

Although Lem wrote The Futurological Congress in 1971, it can still helpful and interesting commentary on the effects of psychoactive drugs and substances in modern times.  The entire novel is told in a humorous tone; however, it is obvious that Lem is making a statement about the negative effects that psychoactive substances are having on this society.  Though it might be interesting to live out the fantasy worlds that are seen on TV, the people in the story ultimately lose touch with reality, and appear oblivious to the collapsing world around them.  I think Lem is making an interesting point about our choices can have consequences beyond anything we could have imagined, since the people in the story likely chose to take the drugs in the first place, but didn’t foresee how this decision would steamroll out of control and create a world that is completely dominated by hallucinations.  Like the other sci-fi books we have read this semester, The Futurological Congress offers yet another commentary on how all of our choices have unintended consequences.