The Industrial Revolution is characterized as a transformative period driven by the mass production of identical goods. This approach prioritizes the efficiency and output of products, such as soap, over individual consumer preferences. The focus is on quantity rather than quality or personal connection, leading to a culture of uniformity where the sole aim is to sell as much as possible, regardless of the consumer's identity or needs.

William S. Burroughs critiques this mentality, illustrating a significant shift in values during the Industrial Revolution. The analogy to soap production highlights the detachment between producers and consumers, emphasizing a systematic drive for profit through replication. This "virus revolution" suggests a pervasive influence of industrialization on society, affecting how goods are perceived and consumed.