Will There Ever Be an Utopia?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that an Utopia is, "an imaginary and indefinitely remote place; often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions." Sir Thomas More's depiction of Utopian society is exactly that-pure imagination and ideal in laws, government, and social conditions." Since, writing Utopia, the world has changed so much, and there are some similarities that we share with Utopia, but will we ever be a complete an utopia? Would we benefit if everything and everyone was the same and "perfect"?

In a sense modern society, is like Utopia. For example, in Utopia, the idea that there are many religions is similar to the numerous religions we have today. (Similar in the sense that there are many, not that the religions are similar and treated the same). Unlike, in More's time, where predominantly one religion was accepted. 

Education is also something that is considered to be similar to today's society. For example, every Utopian child is given the right to receive an education, and these people valued education and thought of it to be a necessity. Today, thankfully, we think the same. Education is the most valuable aspect of life, and no one should be deprived of it. Being educated is what molds young minds, and these young minds are the future leaders of tomorrow. The people of Utopia thought of education as not just an academic aspect, but something that instills values, beliefs, and culture into people. Education is thought the same today-it is more than just math, reading, and writing.


Of course there are elements in Utopia that are very different in our modern society. For example, marriage must be done when a woman is 18 years old and a a man is 21 years old. Also premarital sex, is not allowed, and people are punished if they are caught. This is where imagination comes into play. In today's society, people are not forced to get married at a certain age, a young age, or forced to get married at all. People have the choice to marry who they want, when they want, and do whatever they want to do before marriage. If we lived in a Utopia today, so many young people would already be executed, for sexual reasons. Along with marriage, the idea of emotions and love is not included in More's "perfect society". Does he not think that love is meaningful? I understand that emotions and love can cause one to be sad and heartbroken, and in Utopia they focused on happiness, and happiness might be considered to be "perfect", but in today's society emotions is what makes up a person, and most people would not get married if they did not love someone.


I believe that we, human beings, will never have an utopia like the one More had in mind. What human being would want to give up his freedoms, rights, individuality, sex, emotions, and love? Nothing or no one in society will ever be perfect; perfection is just something that is "pure imagination" and Utopia is just a fantasy, not reality.

*What do you all think about this idea of Utopia? Could it become reality?

Rumination Three: Were These Young Men Ready to Be “Fathers”?

In Robert Filmer’s “From Patriarcha, or The Natural Power of the Kings Defended Against the Unnatural Liberty of the People”, there was one main point that stuck out to me after reading the article closely. New rulers, sons, which were given the throne and role of control over the country, had one main goal: “Honor thy Father”. These new rulers, had a lot of responsibility. Were they ready to be fathers’ of a whole country and still be able to do the same as their own fathers’ did for this country?

Filmer pointed out many similarities between the role of the king and the role of a father. For example, he wrote, “…as the father over one family, so the king, as father over many families, extends his care to preserve, feed, clothe, instruct, and defend the whole commonwealth.”  This simply means, that just like a father cares and works hard to provide and protect his own family, the king has the same responsibilities, but just a larger family.  Now, when a King dies, his eldest son becomes the new ruler, was this young man really qualified and mature enough to handle such a big responsibility?

Think about why there were so many problems in England. There were young men inheriting the throne who were not ready or capable of this responsibility. All they did was mock their own father’s actions because they did not want to disobey them and they had to keep up with the tradition. Filmer says, “ His war, his peace, his courts of justice, and all his acts of sovereignty…”. A new king had to preserve all of this, so that he kept his father’s reputation. For successful kings and their fathers this was a good idea; but what about a king who destroyed England? Should his son, follow in his footsteps? Obviously not, that is not the best idea for the good of all the people living in that country, but a new king  felt as if he HAD to continue his father’s reign, and not necessarily be his own person.  

*Side Note*: When I think about this idea of inheriting a position, I find it to be similar in a slight way today. We have all heard the expression, “It is not what you know, it is who you know.” When applying for jobs, I see this to be true most of the time. Two people can walk into an interview, for the same position, they could both have the same experiences, intelligence, and abilities, but when it comes down to who gets hired, it often is the one that has a father, sister, relative, or friend working there already. Just like, in the 1600s, things have not changed. Back then, sons were immediately inherited a position, and today, some  sons or daughters “inherit” a position too. Again, just like the role of a king, is this son or daughter hired for this job, because they are qualified and right for the position, or because “it is a family tradition”?

Changes on Main Street Letter (Wildcard)

Dear Jodi,

We have not spoken in over two weeks. Our lives are so hectic. I'm becoming a "real person" and applying for job, while you're starting a family. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday I was a Freshman and you were dropping me off at school with Mommy and Daddy.

I am writing you this letter to inform you of all the changes that are going on at UD, specifically on Main Street. Since Freshman year, Main Street has changed so much! It seems like this year, especially, so much more has been built. We now have an IHop, Sliders, Cheeburger Cheeburger, a new woman's boutique (which I think has great clothes, but is too expensive. Who shops there when they're in college?!), Chipotle, and Barnes and Noble is coming soon. When I first visited UD I loved Main Street because it had unique and family owned businesses, like Kate's (your favorite). Now it is being transformed into "Chain Street". Don't get me wrong, I really think that it is for the best and these new places will be successful, but why all chain restaurants? Can't someone be original?

I guess I am really upset because I feel like UD will be so different after I graduate. I am sure it is so different from when you came here. What do you think about all these changes?

I can't wait to finally see you, Derek, and baby Jack in May. Leave Jack with Mom and Dad, and you and Derek can come out! Can't believe I will be a UD Alumni, like you, so soon. :( Miss you and love you so much! Talk to you soon.

Love always,

Jackie