We Can Remember It for You Wholesale

"We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" is a science fiction short story by Philip K. Dick about a man named Douglas Quail who dreams of visiting Mars. Frustrated by his ordinary life, he opts to have false memories of a trip implanted by a company. However, during the procedure, it’s revealed his real memories already include a secret past as a spy. The story explores themes of reality, memory, and identity, questioning whether our perceptions are genuine or artificially created. It highlights the thin line between reality and illusion, prompting reflection on how memories shape who we are.