Geography of Utopia
The fact that Utopus turned this mainland barbarian inhabited wilderness is a wonder upon itself. It was ingenious to dig the canal and make it into and island because this along with the coast has seemed to keep away attackers. It was also a smart move on his part to include his own workers with those he more or less enslaved to build the canal. This would quench most thoughts of revolt by the inhabitants because it makes it seem more like they are working together to build a better home.
Of Their Towns
The first paragraph rather let me down in description of the towns. It says who that knows one knows them all. This would seem rather boring because there would be no point in going anywhere if the journey is going to take you to the same place you just left. What is curious to me also is that one of the themes in the last book was that we shouldnt have trained soldiers in times of peace and they dont seem like they have been attacked before yet the town is within a high thick wall with towers and forts occupying many spaces. Then as if to cancel these out within the walls and and towers lie huge gardens that they cultivate with extrme care. This rather reminds me of a monastery.
Magistrates
The whole higharchy of the the elections and sects seem extremely complicated in this system yet in its complexity it does seem to emaphasize perfection. Everyones voice is heard one way or another but they are still able to retain anonymity so that what they have to say they can say in complete confidence of their own opinion. They cant be scared or pressured into making decisions they do not wish to make.
Trades and Manner of Life
Their manner of life and trades comes at a slight bother to me. It seems that nobody is really free to choose what they going to do with their life. It is expected for sons to follow and take after the work of their fathers. While this is good for some it reminds me to much of the class system of the medival times which did not exactly end on the best of terms.
Traffic
Their population laws seem somewhat harsh. Although they do not kill people the growth extends ot much they do just send them away. This would be extrememly hard to deal with if all the sudden you were just told there are to many people in your family or group so you have to be the one to leave.
Traveling
The fact that you need permission to travel seems absolutely ridiculous to me. Although as I expressed earlier the point to travel is somewhat decreased as all of the cities are exactly the same apparently so I guess since not many people travel it would not be that big of a deal in the long run.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Themes of Utopia
Book 1 Concepts
1. The way to heaven does not change based on where you are at.
This statement is basically just common sense. No matter where you are located physically when you die it is not going to change where you end up afterwards. That is determined by the actions you made while still alive.
2.Sometimes you must sacrafice your own comfort to help others.
The philosopher says he does not wish to be in the service of some king despite the fact that he would be a wise counselor. I disagree with this, although it is obvious it is not his wish if it would be of benifit to a large numbe of people he should do that.
3. Personal Experience is the best way to aquire knowledge.
Although you can learn from the experiences of others you can never truly know if the same thing will happen if you do it. There is always a questioning of whether or not unless you are able to experience the event for yourself.
4. No amount of Money Should be worth a Human life.
There are not many truer words than these for although money can buy many things it cannot replace a human life. For nobody knows for sure what a person could be able to contribute within their life. Making it so there is always that change they could change our race as we know it.
5.Communism Does not Work.
I found it entertaining that although there was no such thing as communism yet Sir Thomas More makes several comments addresses what will become communism. He tells us that no human can be expected to live a life exactly the same as someone else. It is our individuality and drive to be different that makes us human.
1. The way to heaven does not change based on where you are at.
This statement is basically just common sense. No matter where you are located physically when you die it is not going to change where you end up afterwards. That is determined by the actions you made while still alive.
2.Sometimes you must sacrafice your own comfort to help others.
The philosopher says he does not wish to be in the service of some king despite the fact that he would be a wise counselor. I disagree with this, although it is obvious it is not his wish if it would be of benifit to a large numbe of people he should do that.
3. Personal Experience is the best way to aquire knowledge.
Although you can learn from the experiences of others you can never truly know if the same thing will happen if you do it. There is always a questioning of whether or not unless you are able to experience the event for yourself.
4. No amount of Money Should be worth a Human life.
There are not many truer words than these for although money can buy many things it cannot replace a human life. For nobody knows for sure what a person could be able to contribute within their life. Making it so there is always that change they could change our race as we know it.
5.Communism Does not Work.
I found it entertaining that although there was no such thing as communism yet Sir Thomas More makes several comments addresses what will become communism. He tells us that no human can be expected to live a life exactly the same as someone else. It is our individuality and drive to be different that makes us human.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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