What Shall It Profit?

Name: What Shall It Profit?
Author: Poul Anderson

By Poul Anderson

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Science-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

A newsman encounters a distraught former institute employee who claims that advanced technology and hidden experiments have produced extended human lifespans kept secret in underground facilities fed by surface kitchens. As automation displaces workers and public resentment toward science grows, the story traces mounting social tensions, moral ambiguities about longevity and secrecy, and the potential for unrest when suppressed knowledge surfaces. The narrative examines how scientific progress, inequality, and fear interact to threaten social stability.

About the Author

Poul Anderson

Poul Anderson (1926-2001) was an American science fiction and fantasy author known for his imaginative storytelling and complex world-building. He contributed significantly to the genre, producing a diverse body of work that includes novels, short stories, and essays. Anderson's writing often explores themes of technology, society, and human nature, as seen in notable works such as "The High Crusade" and "Tau Zero." His ability to blend scientific concepts with engaging narratives has earned him a lasting place in literary heritage. Throughout his career, he received multiple Hugo and Nebula awards, solidifying his reputation as a master of speculative fiction.