In Philip K. Dick's "A Scanner Darkly," the protagonist grapples with the disconnection between his true self and the persona shaped by drug use. He observes that individuals trapped in addiction often become mere reflections of their addiction, much like recordings that play the same message repeatedly. This realization highlights a profound struggle with identity and the impact of substance abuse.
The quote "Every junkie, he thought, is a recording" underscores the idea that those ensnared by addiction lose their authentic selves. They become echoes of their past experiences and choices, trapped in cycles of behavior that reduce them to their addiction. This notion raises questions about the nature of identity and personal agency in the face of overwhelming dependency.