The Ideal Society

Since the Renaissance, humans have contemplated on what the ideal society is. The first, and perhaps most popular, book studying these ideals is Utopia. Written in 1516, this book lists many characteristics that the ideal society in the time of the Renaissance would possess. Our world today is vastly different then 500 years ago, and I maintain that our ideal society would be vastly different as well.

The Prologue and The Promise, an image often associated with the term "Utopia"

Utopia by Sir Thomas More

Sir Thomas More wrote about what he deemed as the perfect society. In this story he discussed the different features of this hypothetical island with fifty-four cities. Some of the features of this society included:

·       Geography that was ideal for both trade and defense/protection from possible attackers

·       Homogeneity, the idea that everything and everyone is as similar as possible

·       The ideal balance between rural and urban communities

·       People who specialize in their work and don’t overwork themselves

·       Thorough education for all citizens

·       Special care for the sick

·       A limited government

·       The avoidance of war

·       The presence of religion but freedom to choose how and what to worship

Modern Day Utopia

Taking the current climate of the United States and the world into consideration, the two main factors that I think would create an ideal society are the quality of the people and the freedoms they have. I believe that if people respect each other and treat each other with understanding and love, the rest of the qualities and attributes of an ideal society will naturally fall into place. I also believe that people should possess the freedom to choose how they want to live: where their home is located, what religion they practice, their occupation, etc. With mutual respect and personal freedoms, the greatest happiness can be achieved.

New Utopia vs. Old Utopia*

The main difference between More’s version of Utopia and my own is the focus on tangible attributes as opposed to attitudes. For example, the ideal society today would not have a population of homogeneous individuals, but would be one where differences and talents are shared and equally celebrated. The strength of a modern day society would be much more dependent on kindness, respect, and freedom.

*While comparing modern and past versions of the ideal society, we must take into account the vast differences between time periods in politics, social status, economics, etc.

Credits:

Supporting Information from Spark Notes

Image courtesy of McCall Studios