Essay on the Mood Organ From Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Phillip Dick

Phillip Dick wrote the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep in 1968. It is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world. The author introduces the audience to a time when a nuclear global war has destroyed the earths life. The battle led to the extinction of most animal species. On the other hand, human beings lost their ability to connect with their emotions. The book also describes the relationship that exists between the surviving humans and the androids from other planets. The remaining humankind has an innate empathy, a quality that lacks in the androids (Dick). Dick uses a lot of symbolism in his work. A decryption of the metaphors in the texts reveals his criticism of human behavior. He presents a race that allows itself to be manipulated into adopting a homogenous culture. Some of the symbols used include the mood organ, empathy box, toad, world war terminus, and the Voigt-Kampff test. The paper analyzes the mood organ as used in Dicks book as well as its relevance in todays society.

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The mood organ is a device that controls the emotions of human beings by altering the chemical balance of their brains. Dick envisions a future where people rely on this machine to manipulate their feelings. The author reveals that this tool helps people sleep, be happy, weary, or even depressed. It operates like a radio or phone. Dialing various stations brings out different emotions. Several portions of the book reveal the functioning of the mood organ. For instance, according to the book, dialing 888 sets a mood that makes people want to watch television (Dick). Similarly, 670 is the setting associated with a long deserved peace while 481 corresponds to a sense of awareness of diverse possibilities (Dick). Human beings have become so reliant on this instrument that they cannot feel strong emotions without its help. It is ridiculous that people have to consult it even when they want to experience negative temperaments such as rage. It is also disturbing to realize that all humans feel the same since a similar apparatus controls them. The situation is unnatural. It interferes with the diversity that has been associated with the human race. It is also important to note that the main character Rick does not always need to use the mood organ. He is capable of accessing his emotions.

The mood organ symbolizes the growing reliance on machines. Human beings depend on their technologies to the point that they cannot survive without the help of these tools. The monotony created by the use of the mood organ replicates the situation in todays world. The mechanization of labor has reduced creativity and uniqueness. The products consumed today lack a human touch. The mood organ also symbolizes the role of the media in a society. In the present times, the press ensures that everyone is thinking and feeling the same things. For instance, it has preached the opinion that a womans beauty is being slender and Barbie shaped. Additionally, people take the medias words to be the truth. Reviews on media platform dictate the items that are cool, new, and good quality. It is common to hear individuals saying that something is decent simply because their trusted news anchor endorsed it. The growing conformity in the modern society has led to the rise of a homogenous mass culture. The unity in thought and behavior has affected the morality in the society.

Various scenarios illustrate how human beings rely on artificial products for comfort. For instance, many people rely on pills such as Xanax to induce sleep. The practice is unhealthy and destructive to ones health. Similarly, they cannot have fun without taking alcohol and other stimulants. It as though their access to emotions is dependent on external factors. Additionally, instead of babysitting children and allowing them to play vigorously, parents have started using medication to reduce the energy in their offspring. The medicine reduces their brain activity making them dull and quiet, hence easy to handle. Aside from that, people have become over reliant on their mobile phones and computers. The devices control all the actions of humankind; they act as alarms, calendars, and a sort of memory. The tools have also hampered face-to-face communication. It is sad to realize that sometimes prefer to text even when they are in the same place. Lastly, individuals, especially teens do not have opinions on any matter. The media influence their ideas. The press decides what is in and out style. It dictates how they should dress, speak, and behave. Therefore, it is as though the human race is evolving into robots who bend to the will of whoever is in charge.

The idea of the mood organ allows a reader to analyze its effects in society. In the story, the tool creates situation where all people behave in the same manner. It creates a homogenous society that lacks creativity and that is easily controlled. Similarly, the current society comprises of shallow thinkers. It is rare to come across legitimate philosophers. People are limited to discussing mediocre topics most of which are associated with gossip and grapevine. Today it is hard to come across individuals who are as knowledgeable and grounded as historical figures such as Aristotle. As such, the social and moral fabric on which societies are built has been eroded. More so, the few critical thinkers face opposition and discouragement from the majority who term them as boring and weird. Therefore, though communities are experiencing unimaginable growth in the technological sector, there is a possibility that they may be setting themselves up for failure.

In conclusion, the mood organ is a device used to show the growing reliance on technology and machines. It is a symbol of the weakening of the human will. It also symbolizes the influence of the media on the opinions and feeling of human beings. Additionally, it is important to note that the manipulation of the human race has created monotony that has led to the rise of boring and shallow thinkers. It has also led to the corrosion of the social and moral fabric. As such, the human beings face a risk of extinction. Therefore, there is a chance that the strong, opinionated, and diverse nature of humanity may become nonexistent. In its place, people who are easily manipulated will fill the world. Individuals can break free from this form of captivity by trying to preserve the natural connection between their hearts, minds, and souls. By doing so, they will retain control over their thoughts, feelings, and consequently, their destiny.

Work Cited

Dick, Philip. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? New York: New York: Ballantine Books, 1996. Print.