Self Portrait

"Self Portrait" by Bernard Wolfe is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the intricate world of cybernetics, delving into themes of technology, morality, and human identity. The protagonist, Ollie Parks, navigates his role in a cutting-edge research facility, reflecting on the implications of advanced artificial limbs and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their development. In "Self Portrait," Ollie Parks is a cyberneticist working at the Institute for Advanced Cybernetics Studies (IFACS), where he leads a lab focused on creating artificial limbs. The narrative unfolds as Ollie is driven by the challenge of exceeding the biological functions of natural limbs. He faces various obstacles, including the ethical implications of his work, his relationships with colleagues like the enigmatic Len Ellsom, and the increasingly complex militaristic applications of cybernetic advancements. As the story progresses, Ollie grapples with his aspirations, peer pressures, and the haunting presence of past relationships, particularly with Marilyn, as he navigates a fragile balance between innovation and ethical considerations in a potentially dystopian future.