"Listen, you machine," he said, "you claim you can synthesize any drink in existence, so why do you keep giving me the same undrinkable stuff?"
"Nutrition and pleasurable sense data," burbled the machine. "Share and Enjoy."
"It tastes filthy!"
"If you have enjoyed the experience of this drink," continued the machine, "why not share it with your friends?"
"Because," said Arthur tartly, "I want keep them. Will you try to comprehend what I'm telling you? That drink..."
"That drink," said the machine sweetly, "was individually tailored to meet your personal requirements for nutrition and pleasure."
"Ah," said Arthur, "so I'm a masochist on a diet am I?"
"Share and Enjoy."
"Oh, shut up."
Arthur decided to give up.
This argument between Arthur Dent (one of two remaining humans in the universe) and a commercial beverage machine which supposedly makes a drink specifically designed for whoever is using the machine occurs in the second chapter of my independent reading book, Douglas Adams' The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. By far, my favorite aspect of Adams' writing is his humor. It is what drew me to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and it is what drew me to this book. Since I don't particularly enjoy reading for symbolism or deeper meaning (sorry English teachers), I need this kind of humorous motivation to get me to read a book. I really enjoy this kind of reading, and it seems like it's really not a school assignment.
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