Sales Talk by Con Blomberg (1985)
The narrative explores a futuristic concept of "Electronic Living," where individuals can experience life through the sensations and emotions of others via a device. The protagonist, Mr. Gaines, encounters two salesmen from a company promoting this technology. They demonstrate the device, allowing him to temporarily inhabit the life of a basketball player, blending his own perceptions with those of the athlete. Despite the intriguing experience, Gaines grapples with the philosophical implications of substituting real life with artificial experiences. The salesmen, Jake Long and Arnie Blik, present various "Life Experiences" tailored to different interests, from sports to intellectual pursuits. As the conversation unfolds, Gaines articulates his resistance to the idea of becoming a mere consumer, questioning the morality of abandoning creativity and genuine living for synthetic fulfillment. Tensions rise as he challenges the salesmen's views, ultimately leading to a confrontation that reveals their underlying motivations and the societal shift towards consumption over production. The story culminates in a twist, revealing that the entire interaction was part of a performance for a tape intended to evoke strong emotions in viewers, particularly those resistant to the concept of Electronic Living. The narrative critiques the allure of escapism and the potential loss of authentic human experience in a technologically advanced society.
By Con Blomberg · First published 1985 · Genre: Sales & Selling, Business & Money, Personal Finance