The junk merchant doesn't sell his product to the consumer, he sells the consumer to his product. He does not improve and simplify his merchandise. He degrades and simplifies the client.
In William S. Burroughs' "Naked Lunch," the quote highlights the exploitative relationship between consumers and those who profit from their desires. Instead of providing value to the consumer, the junk merchant manipulates them to ensure they continue to seek out his products. The focus is on the merchant's ability to trap the consumer in a cycle of need rather than enhancing their experience or satisfaction.
This commentary reflects a broader critique of consumer culture, suggesting that businesses may intentionally simplify and degrade the client's experiences to increase dependency on their products. Burroughs implies that instead of fostering a meaningful connection, such merchants thrive on the addiction and reduced autonomy of their customers, leading to a detrimental cycle for society as a whole.
