I recently read a book titled The Man In The High Castle by the author Philip K. Dick. This book depicts a modern world in which the allies had lost in World War II, obviously there are many things different but one of the more interesting points investigated within the text is the value of authenticity. Antiques have become a big business in the new America as many Japanese have moved over to the country and are trying to immerse themselves in the culture. One of the story’s many sub-plots involves antique dealers and resellers and the products they sell. A maker of fake antiques describes: “I mean a gun goes through a famous battle, like the Meuse-Argonne, and it’s the same as if it hadn’t, unless you know.” Such an argument in fact completely denies the possibility for authenticity to exist as it suggests that authenticity is completely man-made and in all actuality has no productive or real value at all. This may sound cynical, but he may be right. This is different in religion though as many groups and tribes believe certain objects and artifacts do possess mystic powers solely because of their authenticity. But which is more important, the reality without the meaning, or the perceived reality with meaning?
Aaron Stein
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