In "The Transmigration of Timothy Archer," Philip K. Dick captures a stark view of reality with the line 'The world is awful.' This sentiment resonates with the narrator as they drive fast across the Bay Bridge, reflecting a certain nihilism towards life's struggles. It suggests that art, in its various forms, aims to distill profound truths about existence, specifically the profound dissatisfaction with the state of the world.

The narrator appreciates the role of artists in articulating such bleak insights, noting their importance in society. Yet, there’s an ironic twist; the truth about the world’s awfulness is so simple that even a rat could express it. This leads to a humorous contemplation on the nature of wisdom and communication, underscoring the idea that even the most profound statements about life can come from unexpected places, like a rat in a drain ditch.