About this book
Robert Sheckley's "Cost of Living" presents a chilling exploration of consumerism and existential dread wrapped in brilliant science fiction. When a content suburbanite named Carrin learns that his friend Miller—a man who seemingly had everything—has committed suicide, he's left haunted by an inexplicable question: why would someone with a loving family, stable job, and access to all modern luxuries choose to end it all?
Set in a future where convenience has become absolute and the Avignon Electric company has infiltrated every aspect of domestic life, Sheckley's protagonist finds himself spiraling into the same formless fear that claimed his friend. The story masterfully interrogates the promises of consumer culture and the psychological costs of endless comfort, revealing how technological advancement and material abundance can mask profound emptiness.
With his characteristic wit and razor-sharp social commentary, Sheckley dissects the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect world. This short story is ideal for listeners who appreciate speculative fiction that questions the nature of happiness and fulfillment, those fascinated by mid-century science fiction explorations of technology and society, or anyone seeking thought-provoking literature that lingers long after the final word. A haunting meditation on what we truly need to live.
