"Suppose there existed a machine that could grant you any experience you desired. The machine directly stimulates your brain and is capable of giving you experiences more pleasurable than anything that you could ever experience in real life. Given the choice, would you prefer the machine to real life?" the teacher asked the class.
Dorian: Of course. After all, pleasure is the only thing worth pursuing in life.
Calvin: I'm not sure. If everyone else I knew plugged into the machine, then maybe I would too.
Dorian: You're such a conformist, Calvin.
Galahad: Can the machine create a more perfect training environment than that which could ever exist in reality?
Teacher: Yes.
Galahad: Then I would use the machine to train my skills.
Teacher: You would not use it for pleasure?
Galahad: No, because pleasure is not worth anything intrinsically. The purpose of my life is to fulfill my duties and obligations.
Teacher: What kind of wife do you want?
Galahad: Someone who is selfless, dutiful, and totally devoted to being a good wife.
Dorian burst out laughing: You're going to die alone, Galahad.
Teacher: The experience machine can give you such a wife - a woman more perfect than any that could ever exist in the real world.
Galahad: But she wouldn't be real.
Teacher: You wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
Calvin: An artificial intelligence so advanced that its behavior is indistinguishable from a human...if this AI wife has consciousness, self-awareness, and sentience, then in a sense she is no different from a real person, other than lacking a physical body.
Galahad: Can I take her out of the machine and give her a physical body?
Teacher: No you cannot.
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Galahad: Then I would not marry her, because I want children.
Teacher: You can have children inside the machine.
Galahad: But they wouldn't be real.
Teacher: Why do you want real children?
Galahad: Because I want my children to survive my death.
Teacher: Why do you want your children to survive your death?
Galahad: Because it's my duty to keep the flame of civilization burning in the universe. That's why I want to pass my beliefs and values on to the next generation.
Dorian laughed out loud: Get a load of this guy. You're so pretentious, Galahad.
...
The class ended. It was now lunch time. Dorian, Calvin, and Galahad went to the convenience store.
Dorian: A can of soda, please.
Cashier: That'll be five dollars.
Dorian handed over the cash and the cashier gave him a can of soda. Dorian opened the can and gulped down some of the liquid inside.
Dorian: This is good. You guys should try this.
Calvin: Ah, it's a bit expensive for me.
Galahad: No thanks, it's unhealthy.
Dorian: How is it unhealthy?
Galahad: It contains a lot of sugar, which increases your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Dorian: Then you can drink the sugar-free version.
Galahad: Compared to water, sweetened drinks have only risks and no benefits.
Dorian: Pfft. So what? You only live once.
Dorian finished his can of soda and then pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
Dorian: Wanna try this?
Calvin's eyes widened in shock: Who gave you this? We're below the smoking age you know?
Dorian: Shut up. What are you, a pussy? Just try it. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Calvin slowly backed away: Uhm, no thanks.
Dorian lit the cigarette: Whatever. Suit yourself. Oh and, don't tell anyone about this.
Calvin: Don't worry, I won't.
Calvin waited for Dorian to finish his cigarette, occasionally moving around as the wind direction changed in order to avoid inhaling Dorian's second-hand smoke.
Galahad watched Calvin expressionlessly and didn't say anything
After finishing his cigarette, Dorian led the trio to an internet cafe.
Dorian: Wanna play some video games?
Calvin: Ah...I don't think I can afford it.
Dorian: No problem, I'll pay for you.
Calvin: In that case then sure! Thank you!
Dorian: And how about you, Galahad?
Galahad: No thanks. Video games are a waste of time.
A look of surprise came over Calvin's face.
Dorian: Whatever. Suit yourself.
The trio walked into the internet cafe. Dorian and Calvin sat down to play some video games while Galahad watched over their belongings.
After some time passed, the trio walked out of the internet cafe.
Calvin: That was fun!
Dorian: I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Calvin: Thanks for watching our stuff.
Galahad: Don't mention it. Also Calvin, are you free after school? I want to talk to you about something.
Dorian: Oooh, what's this, some secret club?
Calvin: Okay.
...
When school ended, Calvin stayed behind to talk to Galahad.
Calvin: So, what did you want to talk to me about?
Galahad: Calvin, what do you do after school?
Calvin: I go home, do my homework, and then play video games.
Galahad: How much time do you spend on homework compared to video games?
Calvin: On most days, it only takes me 10-20 minutes to finish all of the homework, and then I spent the rest of the day playing video games.
A frown came over Galahad's face.