#6316
Mentioned in 8 episodes

The ones who walk away from Omelas

Book • 1973
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Ones Walk Away from Omelas" is a renowned short story exploring the moral complexities of utopian societies.

It depicts a seemingly idyllic city where happiness is maintained at the cost of a single child's suffering.

The story challenges readers to confront the ethical implications of societal structures and the compromises made in the pursuit of collective well-being.

Le Guin's masterful use of allegory and her exploration of profound moral dilemmas have made this story a staple of literature courses and a source of ongoing discussion about ethics and social responsibility.

The story's enduring power lies in its ability to provoke thought and challenge readers to examine their own values and beliefs.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Mentioned by listener Keith (read on-air) as a relevant moral allegory in response to detention centers and suffering.
60 snips
"Subject to the Jurisdiction Thereof"
Mentioned by
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Bayo Akomolafe
in the context of a perfect city and the choice to leave utopia.
27 snips
What is a Good Life? #17 - Leaving Utopia with Bayo Akomolafe
Mentioned by
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Kate Willett
, who recommends that listeners read this short story.
26 snips
Fan Fic at the End of the World
Mentioned by
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Russ Roberts
as a short story exploring utilitarian themes.
25 snips
#87 – Russ Roberts on whether it's more effective to help strangers, or people you know
Recommended by
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Spencer Clavin
as a concise, morally complex short story illustrating a dark secret at the heart of a utopia.
18 snips
Klavans on the Culture: Project Hail Mary | Ep. 1
Mentioned by
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David Naiman
in a conversation about the concept of walking away from Omelas.
Omar El Akkad : One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
Recommended by
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Margaret Killjoy
as one of two short stories for the next week's book club reading assignment.
CZM Book Club: Where the Phph Pebbles Go, by Miriam Allen DeFord
Mentioned by
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Leonie Dams
when quoting a passage that criticizes dismissing happiness as frivolous.
i will remain joyful out of spite !!!
Discussed by
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Margaret Kiljoy
and guests when analyzing reactions to a Le Guin short story about a utopia sustained by one child's suffering.
CZM Book Club: Discussing Two Stories by Ursula K. Le Guin
Mentioned by
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David Barr Kirtley
as one of Le Guin's short stories.
460. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin Review (with Anthony Ha, Matthew Kressel, Lisa Yaszek)

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