More and Utopia

A detailed Summary of More and Utopia

Thomas More believes he has discovered the ultimate living situation for all mankind. He goes into detail about the problems being faced in Europe in the 16th century, and his solution to each problem. The outcome is the country of Utopia. More describes such problems as the centralization of the kings in this country, religion, and the punishment of thieves. These problems show the differences between Europe and Utopia and how Utopia is not a European book.

The king has the utmost power over his country, there is no reassurance that this means the people living there will lead complete and happy lives. Kings have the ability to make war and send the people off to fight and maybe lose their lives because he wants more land or is bored with his country. Kings should focus mainly on the community and ways to make it better rather than ways to overtake new lands that he may not even have the time to govern. By going to war, the king neglects his people and the problems in society. People go hungry and are forced to steal and then they are punished for that even though the king had been the cause. But the king ignores this and punishes the people and goes on with his war over land. In Utopia, if a war in necessary, they go

More has come up with an agricultural system in which Utopians would live by. Everyone must work on a farm for two years, which depletes the problem of hunger because there would always be a sufficient amount of food. After the two years are up, the Utopian learn a skill, which is helpful for the community. Some examples include blacksmith, and masonry. A family member may go outside their normal family skill and learn whatever they wish. All men and women are treated and educated equally. If one is superior in their education skills they are to ask permission to further their studies and mind. No one in Utopia is above anyone else. They all wear the same clothes, and have the same amount of food. Gold and silver are not looked upon as great material things.

More then describes what Utopia kingship would be like. It would be relating to the communistic point of view, working towards the common good of everyone. Everyone owns everything and no one would want more because there is sufficient supply of everything. Also, since the king is the single most important person in the society, the people should vote on the king, not have the thrown handed down by generations as done in England. But More comes up with a solution even better than electing one king. He decides to have a system of elected persons that look out for the welfare of the community.

to war, but only to avenge wrongdoing to themselves or their allies. More believes being a

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Approximate Word count = 987
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History