The advantages of the Utopian system are here emphasized, as they are so often through the book, by contrasting that system with the laws and customs of contemporary Europe. Under such conditions the ordinary causes for competition among individuals do not exist, and as a consequence the motivation for many crimes associated with rivalry and greed is effectively eradicated. Almost everything else that is vital to the system stems from those regulations. The core of their system is the community of property and the elimination of money. In presenting his final statement, Hythloday focuses his argument in favor of the Utopians on a few major points. In conclusion, Hythloday exclaims, "Would that all nations would adopt the rule of the Utopians!" Together with those advantages already noted, the Utopian system offers this added feature: It insures them against insurrection and prevents foreign usurpation. "This is that infernal serpent that creeps into the breasts of mortals. It is pride that leads a man to make comparisons between his condition and that of another man and that brings him a feeling of satisfaction in recognizing his superiority over his neighbor in property or in show. The teachings of Christ would have implanted the system of the Utopians in every civilized nation if it were not for pride. Furthermore, it should be recognized, Hythloday declares, that the elimination of money would have the effect of reducing all manner of conflicts among the population - rivalries, thefts, frauds, murders, treason, and witchcraft. In that situation his lot is most enviable because he lives free from anxieties.Ĭan anyone defend as just a system in which there are certain people who do no work or who work to create non-essentials that cater to vanities - he is referring to noblemen, bankers, and goldsmiths - should these people live in ease and luxury while those who perform in the necessary labors and provide sustenance for all the rest live in degrading poverty?Īll other governments are seen as conspiracies of the rich to keep the common people in subjection. In Utopia, no man owns anything - yet each is rich in the sense that he owns his share of everything. In a country where a man knows he must provide for himself or starve, he is forced to become obsessed with private concerns but in Utopia, where a man knows that he and his family will be sufficiently provided for so long as the public stores are full, his prime concern will be for the supplying of those stores. His reason for this claim is that in all other nations every man strives to acquire wealth for himself, whereas in Utopia, where there is no private property, every man works for the good of the community. Utopia, he maintains, is not only the best commonwealth but the only true one. In a concluding statement, Hythloday declares his admiration for the Utopian laws and customs. Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: More's Concluding Observation.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Peroration.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Religion.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Treaties and Alliances.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Marriage and Divorce.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Euthanasia.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Slavery.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Philosophy.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Learning.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: The Economy.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Travel.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Community Life.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Markets.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Population Control.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Occupations.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Officials.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: The Cities.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Country Life.Book II: The Discourse on Utopia: Geographical Features of Utopia.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: More Versus Hythloday on Public Service.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: The Council for Financial Affairs.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: Hypothetical Meeting of the French Council.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: The Meeting at Cardinal Morton's House.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: Opening of the Discussion.Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel: Setting the Stage.
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