Paranoia

Almost all of the short stories we read by Philip K. Dick show the protagonist looking over his shoulder for either mysterious organizations or possibly other-worldly beings coming for them. There is always some all knowing group in the background watching over everyone and everything. While these entities are supposed to be a source of dread and fear within the stories, it can also be looked at in a way that is sort of reassuring. There appears to be a plan or direction. While the objective of these organizations is not revealed clearly in the stories, it shows that there are people working to create order in increasingly complex universes.

I feel like what is more terrifying than being watched or followed is the very real possibility that the universe is indifferent. That there is no plan and everything is made up. This idea is touched upon a bit in “Fair Game” with Professor Douglas telling himself that these entities after him are obviously after his knowledge, when in reality it appears there are just aliens “fishing” for humans. Professor Douglas seems to tell himself this story to reassure himself that there is some order to the chaos in his life. I think what would terrify Douglas the most is realizing that those trying to capture him have no real reason other than apparently entertainment. While paranoia is certainly unsettling, it seems much more terrifying to think of the universe having no plan and that it is apathetic to human suffering or happiness.