Novella or short story I read probably 1956 - 1961 and I assume was published about that time.
Set in mid-century U.S. Time traveler(s) from nearish future come to "present" to recruit volunteers to same far future Earth where inhabitants have "abandoned all hope" as it were and bury themselves alive. Our mid-20th century American hero assumes infusion of mid-20th century American gusto will do the trick and is perplexed by his inability to understand what the disheartened and terminally discouraged far future humans are saying to him. Have tried various search terms but am unable to find anything. Anyone have any ideas?
Set in mid-century U.S. Time traveler(s) from nearish future come to "present" to recruit volunteers to same far future Earth where inhabitants have "abandoned all hope" as it were and bury themselves alive. Our mid-20th century American hero assumes infusion of mid-20th century American gusto will do the trick and is perplexed by his inability to understand what the disheartened and terminally discouraged far future humans are saying to him. Have tried various search terms but am unable to find anything. Anyone have any ideas?