The Ones that Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula Le Guin

Adapted from Louis Pojman's summary (2002) page 128.  (The film The Beach tells a parallel story of paradise that masks a hidden hell).

In the village of Omelas, mature, intelligent, passionate adults were happy, chidren joyous and the elderly blessed. Technology was used only to satisfy necessary needs. There were no cars in Omelas, but there was public transport and all sorts of marvellous devices, floating light sources, fuelless power and even a cure for the common cold. There was religion but no clergy and love but no guilt. There was no army, no crime, no hatred in Omelas. Omelas was a utilitarian utopia.

One fact sullied its glory: in the locked room of a basement of one of its beautiful buildings sat a ten year old retarded child, shivering with no clothes. Its body was covered in sores and its own excrement. It begged to be released, but its presence in public threatened the bliss and peace of the city. The existence of this indescribably neglected and miserable child was the price of Omelas' happiness. Is the price worth paying?

From time to time an adolescent girl or boy went to see the imbecile and did not return home. He or she walked out of the basement and kept on walking out of the village. These adults left Omelas with all its glory and happiness, never to return.

Would you leave Omelas?