The Significance of Man - Philip K. Dick

Most literature centers on the human experience: what we have done, what we can learn, what we are capable of. In science fiction, and fantasy literature in general, there is a unique ability to view mankind from a wholly different perspective. In this genre one can reach outside the realm of human possibility and create a world in which humanity itself is not the center. The creation of "the other" has many uses, but one such use is to humble man, to experience ourselves not as the conquerors of Earth but as a small part of the cosmic reality.

Fair Game makes good use of this concept. The characters, particularly the Professor, are entirely self-absorbed. They speak of giant beings that travel from other universes, gods that come to men, yet assume that it is the men themselves who are special. Once sufficiently convinced Douglas is not insane, their first explanation is that he is wanted for a higher purpose, that humanity itself could be on par with such celestial beings. If one assumes that humans are the center of the story of the universe, this seems sound enough. However, the ending suggests otherwise. Humanity is likely only a small part of reality, just as we are only a small part of the world.

As a quick aside, this reminds me a lot of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, in which man is the second-most intelligent species on earth, and the story begins with earth's total destruction. These events underscore our arrogance as a race in the face of the universe and the world around us.