I'm thankful to exist, to be able to experience pleasure and thought and excitement and wonder, and even to experience sadness and longing and melancholy--because these are all things, all flavors of the world that mix together to make the meal of life. I'm thankful I can write without pain, and think without pain, and …
Alternate worlds: in which ghosts are real
Jane dies and finds herself still in the world, but unable to interact with it, or be seen by anyone. Around her are the 107 billion other people who have also died throughout human history. How would ghosts find ways to oppress and abuse each other? They have no money, strength, physical appearance (or do …
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Alternate worlds: in which art is valued
Jane completes her education and decides she wants to be an artist. She practices her craft, while working part time, until she's managed to create something good enough to present to the artists collective, as her petition for entry. They see it's value and her potential, and accept her. From then on her food and …
Alternate worlds: in which food is no fun
In this world, food is not enjoyed, or even thought about. A perfectly balanced combination of nutrients is devised personally for each individual based on their body chemistry, and taken as one might take a vitamin. No one prepares food, or eats together, or eats anything at all other than this daily requirement. In this …
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Alternate worlds: in which love is mandatory
Jimmy wakes up on the morning of his 18th birthday and drives to the clinic for his mandatory injection of love serum. This is a special medicine that makes him fall in love with the next person he sees. This is required of all adult citizens, once per year. It is very unlikely that the …
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