“We had visceral, rich memories of dull, interminable hours. Then a day would pass in perfect harmony with our projects, our family members, and our coworkers, and we couldn’t believe we were getting paid for this.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“Using a wide variety of media, we could demonstrate for our fellow Americans their anxieties, desires, insufficiencies, and frustrations--and how to assuage them all. We informed you in six seconds that you needed something you didn't know you lacked. We made you want anything that anyone willing to pay us wanted you to want. We were hired guns of the… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share
If someone were plucked from the group and given those responsibilities, they might find themselves growing more aloof, just by virtue of that promotion.… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“I was already at one remove before the Internet came along. I need another remove? Now I have to spend the time that I'm not doing the thing they're doing reading about them doing it? Streaming the clips of them doing it, commenting on how lucky they are to be doing all those things, liking and digging and bookmarking and… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share
“One thing we knew for certain- despite all our certainties, it was very difficult to guess what one individual was thinking at any given… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“There was so much unpleasantness in the workaday world. The last thing you ever wanted to do at night was go home and do the dishes. And just the idea that part of the weekend had to be dedicated to getting the oil changed and doing the laundry was enough to make those of us still full from lunch want… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share
We loved killing time and had perfected several ways of doing so. We wandered the hallways carrying papers that indicated some mission of business… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“For a long time thereafter I stared almost steadily at the bright and ostentatious VERIZON sign on top of one of the tallest buildings—the… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“Of course I alienate myself from society. It's the only way I know of not being constantly reminded of all the ways I'm alienated… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“That was the last time she was allowed back at the Bennigan's. From then on, she started drinking at the T.G.I. Friday's.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
I've always thought things were absurd. It would take a lot more effort for me to see things as reasonable. — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“...she had the conviction of the newly converted, which wouldn't last forever, but would for the moment brook no discouragement or allow for second-guessing.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
