The Foundling (Leary novel)

The Foundling is a science fiction novel written by Timothy Leary and published in 1997. It is a fictionalized account of Leary's own experiences with the U.S. penal system, interwoven with cyberpunk and transhumanist themes.

The novel follows the protagonist, Domino, who is raised in a virtual reality environment within a prison. Domino is selected to participate in experimental programs involving artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced drug therapies aimed at rehabilitation and control.

The book explores themes of consciousness, reality, government control, and the potential for both liberation and manipulation through technology. Leary uses his own experiences and philosophical ideas to examine the nature of freedom and the possibilities for personal evolution in a technologically advanced society. The Foundling is noted for its challenging ideas, unconventional narrative structure, and its exploration of the intersection between technology and the human spirit.