Status Quo ♦ By Mack Reynolds

Status Quo" is a science fiction short story written by Mack Reynolds. The story of the book is set in a future in which humanity has achieved a form of utopia through the establishment of a unique and unconventional government system, and it tackles the challenges and consequences of preserving such a society. Every inhabitant in this future society is assigned a certain position and profession through a computerized system known as the "Planning Board." To promote a balanced and peaceful community, the Planning Board distributes employment, resources, and even life partners. This highly regulated and computerized framework, however, comes at a cost: individual freedom and choice are sacrificed in the sake of stability and equality. The narrative follows Carl, the protagonist, as he gets disillusioned with the lack of individual liberty and predictability in this system. Carl struggles with the problems of fighting the current system and its implications for the society he lives in as he strives to break free from the Status Quo. Larry Woolford is a government agent, tasked with investigating the subversive activity. He does everything an ambitious young man should do if he wants to succeed: wear the right clothes, listen to the right music, even drink vodka martinis. Then he stumbles across a conspiracy of Weirds plotting to overthrow the entire existing social order. It's a race against time. Can he stop their fiendish plan, and keep America safe for shallow judgments based on status symbols?