Utopia

Utopia is defined as an imaginary place in which the government, laws, and social conditions are perfect. The word was first used in the book Utopia by Sir Thomas More, published in 1516, describing a fictional island society composed of fifty-four cities with the same structure and way of life. Thomas More creates an ideal society, seemingly perfectly balanced, contrasting the flawed society in Europe at this time. From the geography of Utopia to the acceptance of religions, More’s society is easily appealing in many aspects, especially to those who recognized the flawed aspects of European society Utopia is ideal in all aspects of life, including its geography. Its crescent shape allows the Utopians to control contact with others. Everything in Utopia is carefully controlled. There is no private ownership. Land is divided evenly among the people and agricultural work was communal, with men and women doing the same. Everyone also learns another essential, yet simple, trade and works for six hours or less a day. Everyone works to benefit the entire community and everything is shared among all the people. Utopians produce only what is necessary to survive. Few things have value so there are no shortages in the community and there is no separation based on wealth. More creates a society without classes, with the exception of slaves. There is equality among men and women, and there is religious tolerance. There are many religions that exist in Utopia, all believing in a single god. Although each religion may believe in a different god, they all show complete tolerance of the other religions, except Atheism. Atheism is seen as immoral and is the only religion that is not tolerated. The church and priests are the shared amongst the religions. This religious tolerance is ideal, especially during the 1800s when most religions were very self-righteous, believing all of the other religions were ignorant. Most of the religions in Utopia shared the common belief in the afterlife and that the human soul is immortal. Utopians’ belief in the afterlife causes them to believe in either punishment or reward based on their actions or beliefs while they are alive. In Utopia, work and knowledge is pleasurable. They would use their free time to learn, as knowledge was the key to happiness. Knowledge and education were very important to Utopians. Every child was educated in various fields and education was also used to shape a child’s morals. Due to the morals set in at childhood, Utopians absolutely hate war and will do everything they can do avoid it. Utopians would do anything to prevent a war from occurring, which would disrupt their perfect society. Clearly, there are many aspects of Thomas More’s utopian society that are appealing. Utopia lacks social classes, religious persecution and unhealthy desires. No one has to worry about food, because all is shared among the community and there is never a shortage. There is no discrimination among men and women, nor among religions, and all are educated the same. True pleasure is more natural and is found by learning and reflecting on knowledge. Working six hours a day leaves a lot of free time, which they use for their own personal intellectual quest. All of these aspects portrayed by Thomas More contribute to the making of the ideal society of Utopia.