Where we have to go.

Does anybody truly wish to depart Omelas? Omelas is the epitome of sheer pleasure and irresponsibility. Littered with hedonists and philanderers, Omelas is a guilty pleasure taken to an unprecedented extreme. But, deep within the city of Omelas is a child who redefines misery. An audacious few leave the sinful city. The few who leave are motivated by what is right...

LeGuin's story shows how people must go where they need to go. If our entire race were given the choice to remain where they are or be whisked away to a place similar to Omelas, many would leave. However, the remaining people would represent the portion of the population that understands their duty to go where they need to, and not where they want to. LeGuin stresses the importance of making the correct decision with his story. The juxtaposition of the people of Omelas and the miserable child are the starkest display of the story's message.

A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality.

-Winston Churchill