This is essentially a 16th c. Christian humanist reflection on Plato’s Republic in the context of contemporary Europe and Henry VIII’s England in particular. The Utopia isn’t seriously intended as a model, though there are critiques made in earnest and concepts no doubt intended seriously, some radical for the time – elimination of private property, democracy, (relative) equality for women, legal suicide for terminal illness, etc. Unfortunately Moore places his book in close proximity to Republic but it’s far from comparable.

As literature it’s slight – no character development, dialogue, scene-setting, artistry in use of language, plot, multivalence or ambiguity or other means enriching the framework. It’s simple, straightforward and flat – more a sketch or annotated outline than a developed novel. And it’s not political philosophy: it’s an insightful critique, but not a particularly philosophical one – no investigations of fundamentals or developed arguments. Assertions generally have little support or analysis. It’s worth reading for the critiques and concepts, but a truly literary and/or philosophical 16th c. Christian humanist redux of Republic could have really been something.
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"From my observation and experience of all in flourishing nations everywhere, what is taking place, so help me God, is nothing but a conspiracy of the rich, as it were, who look out for themselves under the pretext of serving the commonwealth"
-500 years ago
(-and now)
((-and probably 500 years from now))
(((if there is a 500 years from now)))

besides the skewering of the self-serving wealthy and ineffectual ruling class, under a slightly different tone i feel what is being described is a dystopia and i'm assuming i'm the first to realize that in review.*

*=P



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I think I got more out of this book by reading the extensive notes and introductions than by reading the book itself. The book was so full of allusions to political situations, changes in speech and text depending upon what was being mentioned, legitimate philosophical meanderings and religious commentary. Well, it was a piece of work.

I think it would be an easier read a second time around, bearing in mind all I learned from the first poke through it. It's one of those books you know you should read and contemplate, but doing so alone is a bit difficult. A bit like listening to a lecture and having your mind blown away - listen again, and you can begin to pick at the subtleties.

I do agree that the most fascinating bit about Utopia is the fact that there would be no way to enforce it had the structure not already been in place. Yes, it sounds great from the outset, but knowing freedom and having experienced this level of it (impinged upon as it may be these days) we'd not take too kindly to having it all stripped away. It truly is No Place as much as it may be a Good One (which can be thoroughly argued, seeing how flawed the system in place is.)

The commentary is great, the concepts novel at the time and still rather fresh now. Not to mention the dystopia genre does hinge upon this singular text, written and published so many years ago. ( )

i actually really liked this book. it was alot different then what i thought it would be. in utopia, its the peaceful society, and i love that. it explains why they have it set up like how it was, and how it all worked and why it worked, and although it made sense to me, didn't agree with some of the things discussed. for example i like how they deal with crime. i like how they get him to humble himself, but still have his freedom in a way. but as much as i agree or disagree with this book, and its principles, i do not believe that this system could work with the world today. the human race grows to be greedy, and even its one person, greed destroys the idea. the idea that every one IS equal, and the fact that we should equal is an idea lots of people have. the only way that can be true is if everybody works, and everybody is honest, truthful, and they really want it to be as if its the perfect world. so many people though have a different image of that. with it outline of this book it gives you a society where there's no hate, lie, decisiveness, or greed. but because man has grown into knowing how to get what that is he wants he can no longer be happy if he was in this utopia for there would be no reason to steal, because there is no money, and why would you need to steal something if you already have it, and this book gives you lots of those. ( )