02440cam a22003733u 4500 59982 UtSlPG 20260610134400.0 m cr n 260607r2019||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Kelley, Leo P., 1928-2002 The Human Element Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2019 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, June 1957 Release date is 2019-07-25 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "The Human Element" by Leo P. Kelley is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set in a futuristic society that appears to have advanced significantly in technology, but this progress has come at the cost of humanity and authenticity. The story likely explores the tension between technological advancement and the preservation of human experience and emotion. The plot centers around Kevin Molloy, a man disillusioned with the sterile and inhumane nature of his society exemplified by the artificiality of modern entertainment, such as a circus run by robots and devoid of genuine human interaction. Struggling against the pressures from his family to conform to societal norms, Kevin sneaks away to the circus and puts on a clown costume to reclaim a lost sense of joy and purpose. In doing so, he inadvertently connects with the audience, allowing them to experience genuine laughter and emotion. Mr. Caldwell, the owner of the circus, recognizes the value of Kevin's performance, seeing it as a necessary return to the essence of entertainment—the "human element"—suggesting a reflection on the importance of humanity in a rapidly advancing world. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Circus -- Fiction Clowns -- Fiction Orban, Paul, 1896-1974 Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, June 1957 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59982 100808 100808