Utopia

Description

Have you ever wondered where the word “utopia” came from? It was this story written by Sir Thomas More that started it all. Based on the premise that an ideal society is possible, where all people live happily and do what they want without lacking in abundance or prosperity, the story was entirely original at the time, having been published more than five centuries ago.

Utopia is basically a fictional island state that is completely separated from the world. With its people enjoying complete freedom and undying prosperity, the country is famed for using gold for prison chains and pots, while diamonds and gemstones are used by children who like to enjoy a shiny toy or two. At the same time, men and women are required to see each other in their natural, naked beauty before they can get married, and several religions are allowed on the island – from moon-worshipers to ancestor-worshipers.

Although More was a devout follower of the Church, it is curious that many of the ideal Utopian conditions – such as allowing priests to marry and women to become priests – are polar opposites in contrast with the Church’s teachings. Also, his views on military force, the role of women in society and the distribution of wealth are all well ahead of the time that he lived in, leading to the book becoming a topic of controversy in the 16th century.

Through his story, Sir Thomas More also gives us the understanding that we live in a flawed society, and we have so much to look forward to in building a kinder, more stable and overall superior world through the actions we take today. Despite our modern advancements, this statement seems just as valid today as it was when More wrote Utopia all those years ago.


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