02468cam a22003613u 4500 32243 UtSlPG 20260610133733.0 m cr n 260607r2010||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS McKimmey, James, 1923-2011 Confidence Game Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2010 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from If: Worlds of Science Fiction, September 1954. Release date is 2010-05-04 Produced by Greg Weeks, David Wilson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net "Confidence Game" by James McKimmey, Jr. is a science fiction novella published in 1954. The story delves into themes of efficiency, control, and the intricacies of human personality as it explores the impact of a revolutionary device designed to enhance confidence and productivity among workers. The narrative unfolds in a corporate setting, outlining the ambitions and conflicts of its protagonist, George H. Cutter. The novella follows Cutter, an ambitious business owner who is constantly aiming to maximize the efficiency of his company, Cutter Products, Inc. When he learns about a device named the Confidet, which has the potential to enhance the confidence levels of his administrative staff, he eagerly embraces it in hopes of drastically improving productivity. As Cutter initially reaps the rewards of increased efficiency, he becomes increasingly obsessed with control and success. However, as the changes take hold, unexpected consequences arise, revealing how shifts in confidence can alter power dynamics and alter relationships, leading to Cutter's ultimate downfall. The story unfolds into a cautionary tale about ambition, the essence of identity, and the unforeseen repercussions of manipulating human behavior. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Businessmen -- Fiction Self-confidence -- Fiction Produced from If: Worlds of Science Fiction, September 1954. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/32243 73089 73089