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Re:Ursula Le Guin has died by bolasanibk on Tuesday January 23, 2018 @07:04PM (#16219124)
That story always makes me question what decision I will make if in a similar situation.
Re:Ursula Le Guin has died by Fargren on Wednesday January 24, 2018 @04:28PM (#16226497)
After reading the story I immediately thought that the point was that most of us live in Omelas. I don't think I have it in me to walk away.
Re:Ursula Le Guin has died by ars on Wednesday January 24, 2018 @03:06AM (#16221143)
I wondered the same thing.

But then I wondered "Why did they walk away? Why not comfort the child and end it?"

In the story she says a single kind word to the child would end it. I can understand living there, but I don't understand walking away.

By walking away you are not helping the child. So what does it matter that you are not benefiting?

Re:Ursula Le Guin has died by sooheon on Wednesday January 24, 2018 @03:53AM (#16221321)
To help the child and end it means to deprive many others of happiness as well. It is also likely to be wasted, as she writes in the story, the kid may be so far gone beyond consolation.