"Robert Sheckley. Pilgrimage to Earth" - читать интересную книгу автора

feeling only from someone who loves you."

Simon said dubiously, "It's not genuine love, though is it?"

"Of course it is! If we were selling simulated love, we'd label it as
such. The advertising laws on Earth are strict, I can assure you. Anything
can be sold, but it must be labelled properly, That's ethics, Mr. Simon!"

Tate caught his breath, and continued in a calmer tone. "No, sir, make
no mistake, our product is not a substitute. It is the exact self-same
feeling that poets and writers have raved about for thousands of years.
Through the wonders of modern science we can bring this feeling to you at
your convenience, attractively packaged, completely disposable, and for a
ridiculously low price."

Simon said, "I pictured something more - spontaneous."

"Spontaneity has its charm," Mr. Tate agreed. "Our research labs are
working on it. Believe me, there's nothing science can't produce, as long
as there's a market for it."

"I don't like any of this," Simon said, getting to his feet. "I think
I'll just go see a movie."

"Wait!" Mr. Tate cried. "You think we're trying to put something over
on you. You think we'll introduce you to a girl who will act as though she
loved you, but who in reality will not. Is that it?"

"I guess so," Simon said.

"But it just isn't so! It would be too costly for one thing. For
another, the wear and tear on the girl would be tremendous. And it would be
psychologically unsound for her to attempt living a lie of such depth and
scope."

"Then how do you do it?"

"By utilizing our understanding of science and the human mind."

To Simon, this sounded like double-talk. He moved towards the door.

"Tell me something," Mr. Tate said. "You're a bright-looking fellow.
Don't you think you could tell real love from a counterfeit item."

"Certainly."

"There's your safeguard! You must be satisfied, or don't pay us a
cent."

"I'll think about it," Simon said.