

#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.
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 

in the context of a perfect city and the choice to leave utopia.


Bayo Akomolafe

27 snips
What is a Good Life? #17 - Leaving Utopia with Bayo Akomolafe
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

, who recommends that listeners read this short story.

Kate Willett

26 snips
Fan Fic at the End of the World
Mentioned by 

as a short story exploring utilitarian themes.


Russ Roberts

25 snips
#87 – Russ Roberts on whether it's more effective to help strangers, or people you know
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a concise, morally complex short story illustrating a dark secret at the heart of a utopia.

Spencer Clavin

18 snips
Klavans on the Culture: Project Hail Mary | Ep. 1
Mentioned by 

in a conversation about the concept of walking away from Omelas.


David Naiman

Omar El Akkad : One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
Recommended by 

as one of two short stories for the next week's book club reading assignment.


Margaret Killjoy

CZM Book Club: Where the Phph Pebbles Go, by Miriam Allen DeFord
Mentioned by 

when quoting a passage that criticizes dismissing happiness as frivolous.


Leonie Dams

i will remain joyful out of spite !!!
Discussed by 

and guests when analyzing reactions to a Le Guin short story about a utopia sustained by one child's suffering.


Margaret Kiljoy

CZM Book Club: Discussing Two Stories by Ursula K. Le Guin
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of Le Guin's short stories.

David Barr Kirtley

460. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin Review (with Anthony Ha, Matthew Kressel, Lisa Yaszek)


