In Philip K. Dick's novel "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch," the protagonist, Palmer Eldritch, offers an ambitious twist on the concept of eternal life. Rather than simply relying on divine promises, Eldritch believes he can enhance and commercialize the idea, showing a desire to manipulate and control human desires through marketing. This reflects a deeper commentary on capitalism and the commodification of spiritual beliefs in society.

Through this narrative, Dick explores the tension between faith and materialism, highlighting how the quest for immortality can be tainted by commercial interests. Eldritch’s perspective challenges traditional notions of eternal life, suggesting that it can be packaged and sold much like any other product. This paradigm shift raises questions about the authenticity of experiences and the ethical implications involved in the commercialization of fundamental human aspirations.