seldust

Sel Dust is a fictional substance that appears in the science fiction novel "The Stars My Destination" by Alfred Bester. It is a highly valuable and potent drug that grants its users a temporary, but extreme, surge of mental and physical abilities. The effects of sel dust are described as exhilarating and empowering, allowing individuals to achieve feats far beyond their normal capabilities. However, these effects are short-lived, and the withdrawal from sel dust can be severe and debilitating. The pursuit and control of sel dust are central to the plot of the novel, driving much of the conflict and character motivations. Its rarity and the intense desire it inspires make it a coveted commodity, leading to organized crime, dangerous speculation, and desperate measures by those seeking to acquire or profit from it. The substance represents a potent symbol of ambition, addiction, and the corrupting influence of power in Bester's dystopian future.