Utopia: Society, Economy, and Politics
Utopia
Summary of Book I
Thomas More was summoned to Parliament to resolve issues between Henry VIII and Prince Charles, along with Cuthbert Tunstall, a man he greatly admires. After several unsuccessful meetings, More traveled to Antwerp, where he met his friend Peter Gilles. Gilles introduced him to Raphael Hythloday, a wise traveler who had accompanied Amerigo Vespucci and observed various governments, lifestyles, and laws.
Impressed by Hythloday’s eloquence, More suggested he serve a monarch as an advisor. Hythloday refused, citing the corruption of power and providing examples from his travels.
More, Gilles, and Hythloday discussed societal problems, including theft, capital punishment, and the responsibilities of rulers. Hythloday described different forms of government, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. He mentioned Utopia, an island where he lived for five years, and began describing its customs and organization. Intrigued, More and Gilles asked Hythloday to elaborate on Utopia’s society, laws, and structure.
Utopia Society
Economic Bases
Utopians do not use currency. Gold and silver are used only for acquiring slaves and mercenaries. Agriculture is their primary economic activity.
Farmers cultivate land, raise livestock, and produce surplus goods for the city. Grains are used solely for bread; they drink wine made from grapes, apples, or pears.
Each city has surrounding farmland, with comfortable, well-equipped cottages. Every year, 20 farmers from each family return to the city and are replaced by 20 others who have worked in the fields for two years. Necessary items not found in the countryside are obtained from the city without payment.
Social Relations
Utopia consists of 54 cities, each with 6,000 families, excluding rural populations. Each family has 40 members, with 10 to 16 adults. Women marry at 18, men at 22. Premarital sex is strictly prohibited. The eldest family member presides. Women serve their husbands, children their parents, and younger members their elders.
Each city is divided into four districts, each with a public market where families obtain supplies without payment.
Political System
Utopia is a republic with no private property, religious tolerance, near-total equality, and voluntary military service during wartime.
Every 30 families elect a judge (phylarch). Ten phylarchs are led by a protofilarca. Two hundred phylarchs elect a prince from four candidates nominated by the people. The prince serves for life unless suspected of tyranny. Protofilarcas are re-elected annually but are only replaced for serious reasons. Other judges are replaced annually.
Every three days, or sooner, phylarchs, led by the prince, discuss public affairs and resolve conflicts. Laws are enacted only after careful deliberation.
Ethics
Utopians debate ethics and morals, focusing on the good and happiness of the soul, body, and external goods. They question whether “good” encompasses all three or only spiritual gifts. They reflect on virtue and pleasure, concluding that pleasure is the sole source of human happiness.