The Perfect Society In Thomas More's Utopia

Throughout history there have been continuous thoughts on what would create the perfect society with which each individual would coexist in perfect harmony. It is understandable for people to wish for a perfect society or rather utopia especially if they feel if their present society is in the wrong. Thomas More, a social philosopher and author, wrote Utopia which provided a critique of the social and economic ills of his time. However, as More established what he believed to be a perfect society in Utopia, the ideas more closely resembled a society not of fairness, but one of inequality, impracticality, and discouragement. Thomas More’s desired to create an idealistic society that is fair, however, his system of fairness is flawed. By way …show more content…
Another central idea presented in Utopia is that the Utopians distribute resources evenly among towns. For instance, once a year three councils are sent to Utopia to examine the towns which are “abound in provisions and what are under any scarcity” (More 1). If there are any towns in scarcity it will be “furnished from the other; and this is done freely, without any sort of exchange…” (More 1). By allowing the towns in scarcity to be resourced by the towns that are thriving it is discouraging people from working hard and providing for themselves. If a Utopian were to work hard in their labor(s) it would essentially not mean much if their hard work would be given to those who do not work hard. By distributing resources evenly, it is encouraging some Utopians to not work at all, because they would be aware that the Utopians that do work diligently will support …show more content…
To illustrate, when the ambassadors of Utopia go to visit the Utopians, the teens “call to their mothers…and cry out, ‘See that great fool, that wears pearls and gems as if he were a child!’” (More 3). By making fun of those who do enjoy materials, it goes against the Utopians idealistic beliefs of class, equality, and prestige. If the Utopians truly valued their beliefs they would not criticize those who do not exactly fit their society, they would welcome them and treat them as equals. In conclusion, More created his idea of an idealistic society in Utopia. Although he was successful in presenting his ideas, his ideas in a Utopia are flawed. Despite More desiring a society based on fairness he more accurately described a society based on inequality, impracticality, and discouragement. Perhaps one day we will be able to live in perfect harmony. However until then, we can learn to appreciate the society we currently live in and discuss ways with which we can make it