The Origins of Utopia
Where did the fundamental elements of Utopia emerge?
How have these ancient philosophies and constructions
persisted in the human psyche?
These ideas of adhering to a moral code and of hard work are not strange concepts in Utopian works. Morality plays a fairly constant role in Utopian societies, as the foundations of a universally beneficial society are based on our ability and desire to make “right” choices, having accepted that "justice is the excellence of the soul, and injustice the defect of the soul" (The Republic Book I). Work, too, is a common element of Utopias. As citizens expect to be provided for, they must be the ones producing the products they require.
In Utopias, as in the Garden, one must give as much of oneself as possible to the society so that there is plenty to distribute to all members. The fall and the subsequent banishment from the perfect existence within the Garden serves as an example of how corruption has removed humanity from its golden age, or the “original period of human felicity, [the] idyllic state of ease, harmony, peace, and plenty” (Murfin and Ray 205). Humanity, having been educated in the perfection of the past, and the possibilities that morality, tolerance, and communitarianism can offer us for future betterment, continues to seek a restoration of this lost age. Utopian philosophy and literature has served as the tool with which humanity can explore the possibilities of these preferable existences.
In Utopias, as in the Garden, one must give as much of oneself as possible to the society so that there is plenty to distribute to all members. The fall and the subsequent banishment from the perfect existence within the Garden serves as an example of how corruption has removed humanity from its golden age, or the “original period of human felicity, [the] idyllic state of ease, harmony, peace, and plenty” (Murfin and Ray 205). Humanity, having been educated in the perfection of the past, and the possibilities that morality, tolerance, and communitarianism can offer us for future betterment, continues to seek a restoration of this lost age. Utopian philosophy and literature has served as the tool with which humanity can explore the possibilities of these preferable existences.