"The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" is a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick that explores themes of reality, perception, and the human experience in a future where interplanetary colonization is common. The story follows the protagonist, Barney Mayerson, a man grappling with a drug called "Can-D" that allows users to escape into an altered reality, which is increasingly blurring the lines between genuine experiences and manufactured ones. This drug’s popularity reveals society’s attempts to escape harsh realities, leading to existential questions about what it means to be human.
The narrative intensifies with the introduction of Palmer Eldritch, a mysterious figure who has returned from a distant planet after encountering a powerful alien force. Eldritch introduces a new substance that purportedly overtakes Can-D and offers a more profound experience. However, this new drug comes with significant risks, as it creates a troubling paradigm where users lose touch with their authentic selves. Eldritch’s transformation into a god-like figure raises moral and ethical dilemmas regarding free will and the nature of reality itself.