Waste Not, Want

"Waste Not, Want" by Dave Dryfoos is a mid-20th century science fiction novella that reveals a future where consumption is king and individuality is a forgotten relic. The story orbits around Fred Lubway, an aging engineer, navigating life after the loss of his beloved Tillie, in a world that demands constant consumption. Fred faces relentless pressure from "ration-cops" who enforce strict consumption quotas, leading to increasing frustration as he must produce and then consume products, regardless of his needs or desires. This fight against enforced consumerism culminates when authorities try to force Fred into compliance with brain surgery, representing the final surrender of personal freedom to a system prioritizing economic output and uniformity.