To begin with, the majority of the people working at “The
Corporation, Inc.” were friendly and welcomed the
opportunity to demonstrate their friendliness. On your first
day, somebody would probably offer you a soft drink
or a cup of coffee. Coffee was commonly offered. Not to
take a cup was considered offensive, but to take more than
three cups was too much. Offering you a third cup meant that
you might be punished – unless you were a visitor. Visitors
drank lots of coffee.

Taking pride in your work and presenting new ideas was not
looked upon favorably. The employees at “The Corporation,
Inc.” were motivated by a continual fear of shame in their every
action. When dealing with the “higher ups”, sincere respect for
their pride was essential. If your boss made an incorrect
statement, you did not want to correct him in public or in front of
others. I only did that once.

Their rules were harsh, but they let us live. Like headless
zombies, we lived and worked among the dead and dying.