A society free of war, contention and all manner of strife and at the same time, being filled with all the best parts of humanity, ranging from art to engineering is an appealing notion. Who wouldn't want to live in a place where there is no want of food, where one wouldn't need to worry for their children's safety, and where one can pursue art or writing or music instead of taking a sword up for the defense of the state. Utopia's have always had a place in the hearts and minds of the great thinkers. A place where one is free to think and craft ideas has a nice ring to it, but is it as good as it seems? Are there problems in this problem-less society?
Adversity is a necessary part of life, it allows for personal and national growth. Competition and a need to provide urge thinkers and engineers to invent and create business. In a society with all needs being met, where would one receive the prodding to push the bounds of humanity. With endless comfort and safety, where could man grow? A Utopia is a nice idea, but mankind requires adversity to reach their full potential. Just as coal would never become a diamond if left to sit on a pillow, mankind would never amount to something more beautiful if left unchecked by adversity.
That's a great point. I would think that most people who believe in God would understand that, but I guess in the Renaissance the tragedies of life were still a little too close on the horizon to realize their benefit.
ReplyDeleteI agree; I've definitely grown from overcoming difficult situations. Not to mention it would be pretty boring if things were perfect all the time. I think if a utopian society somehow was created, people would eventually begin creating problems anyway.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I've never experienced any really difficult problems, and I love my life. Which begs the question, could a Utopian society make us happy in which people lived in perfect harmony (without sin) but still had to deal with the struggles of normal life (work, children, sleepiness)? In other words, a little bit of opposition, enough to keep us focused and busy, but living in harmony with our friends and family?
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