Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick
Salvation prevailed throughout The Bible. God led His Israelites to the Promised Land, despite their ingratitude by cursing Him for an arduous journey and worshiping a golden calf. Saul of Tarsus persecuted Christians until God changed his heart through a revelation. Many other biblical stories exemplified His forgiveness of sins. Personally, everyone experienced multiple chances to rectify a wrong she or he committed. From a satirical, secular perspective, Dick depicted salvation as ubiquitous and easy to obtain.
Glen Runciter oversaw a power company of associates possessing extrasensory perception and psychokinesis abilities. After Runciter supposedly died from an explosion during a business trip with certain associates, one employee Joe Chip assumed control of the company, as intended. However, Chip and the other associates questioned his death once their colleagues perished and Runciter communicated with them as if he survived. Not knowing who is dead or alive confused the “survivors” already overwhelmed with saving themselves from an evil force manifested in multiple forms.
Meanwhile, Chip struggled with personal problems. For instance, Chip lacked funds to pay for anything. Yet, he always had someone who paid for him or borrowed money from the company. Additionally, Chip thought he could overcome adversity by himself and, therefore, disregarded almost every opportunity to restore his health, even when death seemed imminent. Yet, healing proved readily available for him through a consumer product.
Overall, according to Dick, humans are limited in what they can accomplish themselves. But, a higher power always helped one achieve greatness. Unfortunately, people often chose strife rather than liberation, another theme Dick presented through characters who entered into dysfunctional business or personal relationships. Eventually, some people learned the truth of their circumstances and improve their behavior. Out of that fortunate group, fewer helped others avoid similar misfortune.
Glen Runciter oversaw a power company of associates possessing extrasensory perception and psychokinesis abilities. After Runciter supposedly died from an explosion during a business trip with certain associates, one employee Joe Chip assumed control of the company, as intended. However, Chip and the other associates questioned his death once their colleagues perished and Runciter communicated with them as if he survived. Not knowing who is dead or alive confused the “survivors” already overwhelmed with saving themselves from an evil force manifested in multiple forms.
Meanwhile, Chip struggled with personal problems. For instance, Chip lacked funds to pay for anything. Yet, he always had someone who paid for him or borrowed money from the company. Additionally, Chip thought he could overcome adversity by himself and, therefore, disregarded almost every opportunity to restore his health, even when death seemed imminent. Yet, healing proved readily available for him through a consumer product.
Overall, according to Dick, humans are limited in what they can accomplish themselves. But, a higher power always helped one achieve greatness. Unfortunately, people often chose strife rather than liberation, another theme Dick presented through characters who entered into dysfunctional business or personal relationships. Eventually, some people learned the truth of their circumstances and improve their behavior. Out of that fortunate group, fewer helped others avoid similar misfortune.