The story takes place on a spaceship where a group of humans are traveling to another planet. They discover an alien creature that they initially think is a pig but later realize it's a being from another world. The creature, which they name the Wub, is intelligent and can communicate with them through a device. As the crew interacts with the Wub, they begin to question their own humanity and the nature of reality. They start to see the Wub as more human-like than themselves, leading to a reevaluation of their values and morals. The story explores themes of identity, empathy, and what it means to be human. It also touches on issues of colonialism and the exploitation of other cultures.
By Philip K. Dick · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Satire