Stanisław Herman Lem was a renowned Polish writer known for his profound philosophical and satirical works. Born on 12 September 1921 in Lviv, then part of the Second Polish Republic, Lem became an influential voice in science fiction and philosophy.

Lem authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays on a variety of subjects, including philosophy, futurology, and literary criticism. His science fiction stories often carried a satirical and humorous tone. His works have been translated into more than 50 languages and have sold over 45 million copies worldwide. He is perhaps best known for his 1961 novel Solaris, which has been adapted into films multiple times.

In 1976, Theodore Sturgeon described Lem as the most widely read science fiction writer in the world. Among his significant contributions is the philosophical work Summa Technologiae, where he foresaw the development of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, and explored ideas such as human autoevolution and the creation of artificial worlds.

Lem's writings delve into philosophical themes through speculation on technology and intelligence, the challenges of communication with alien intelligence, despair over human limitations, and humanity's role in the universe. His essays and philosophical books address these and numerous other topics. His elaborate neologisms and idiomatic wordplay make translations of his works quite challenging.

The Polish Parliament's lower house, the Sejm, declared 2021 the Year of Stanisław Lem, recognizing his lasting impact and legacy.