Was Ron Hubbard Good as a Novelist?

Ron Hubbard, a controversial figure in both literature and spirituality, emerged as a writer in the early 20th century, particularly in the realm of science fiction. While his novels may not have reached the heights of classic science fiction authors like Robert Heinlein and Ayn Rand, he did possess enough talent to make a living and even earn recognition in Hollywood.

During the 1930s, when the world of pulp fiction was highly competitive, Hubbard managed to establish a viable career. His scripts for Hollywood, based on his proposals, further demonstrated his ability to tap into a wide audience. However, his writing often fell short of the nuanced and insightful prose of his contemporaries. Hubbard’s technical writing was a different matter, showcasing a talent for explicating complex ideas with clarity, though it sometimes came across as obscure due to his neologisms.

The Path to Scientology

Hubbard's journey from a science fiction writer to the founder of Scientology is one that highlights a significant shift in his career. In 1948, at a meeting of the Eastern Science Fiction Society, he famously declared, "The way to make a million dollars is to start a religion." This statement not only captures his entrepreneurial spirit but also foreshadows the path he was about to take.

Hubbard's creation of Scientology was directly influenced by his earlier works, particularly Excalibur, which laid the foundation for the new religious movement. Though Excalibur was not revolutionary in the literary sense, it marked a pivotal point in Hubbard's life. His decision to pivot towards a pseudo-religion was a strategic move to leverage the tax-free status that comes with being a religion, enabling him to amass significant wealth and property without the usual constraints of a business.

The Scientology System and Corporate Strategy

The Scientology organization is built upon a meticulously structured system. From its inception, it operated as a highly enforced caste system, where each level required extensive and often expensive procedures to progress. This system was not only hierarchical but also financially draining, making it difficult for most people to climb the ranks.

Hubbard's MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) approach to recruitment was aggressive and effective, but it was also facilitated by the religion's tax status. This allowed Scientology to use various techniques that would be illegal or unethical in a typical business context. Not everyone, including famous individuals like celebrities, found the experience positive. Many who joined were disappointed when they uncovered the truth about Scientology's operations and practices.

The Controversy Surrounding Scientology

The secrecy and hierarchical structure of Scientology have been a source of much controversy. The organization is known for its strict confidentiality policies, which render its operations largely opaque to outsiders. Critics argue that the expensive and often mandatory procedures required for progression can be seen as a form of exploitation, overshadowing the spiritual aspirations for which the organization purports to stand.

In conclusion, while Ron Hubbard's novelistic skills were not exceptional by the standards of his contemporaries, he did possess a unique ability to reach a wide and diverse audience. His later conversion to Scientology is a testament to his entrepreneurial and strategic mind. Although his legacy is often clouded by controversy, understanding his journey provides a more nuanced view of his contributions to literature and spirituality.