Sacrificing Humanity for The Next Big Thing

In Wednesday’s class discussion on Thomas More’s Utopia, Miranda presented an interesting dilemma regarding the procurement of objects. The Utopia had an excess of products which they made available to whoever needed it. Miranda brought to the class’s attention the question of what was to prevent the Utopians from abusing this privilege of an endless store of objects? Similarly, what was to force the Utopians to value and take care of their possessions if they could be so easily replaced at no monetary cost to themselves? More’s idea of the communal storehouse with endless amounts of articles needs improvement in order to create a true “utopia.” As I read chapter 15 “On the Lack of Incentive to Labor in a Communist Society” from William Morris’ News from Nowhere, I felt Morris created a better solution to the “consumer issue” raised in Utopia.

            Hammond explains to the narrator in Chapter 15 of News from Nowhere how the 19^th century and the industrial revolution affected the world and society. Hammond describes for the narrator how with the implementation of machines that could quickly and easily produce products capitalism began to dominate society as we knew it. Hammond describes to the narrator the “World-Market” and how “that World, once set a-going, forced them to go on making more and more of these wares, whether they needed them or not” and continued “they created in a never ending series sham or artificial necessaries, which became, under the iron rule of the aforesaid World-Market, of equal importance to them with the real necessaries which supported life” (Ch.15). Which is sadly where our current society stands. When we need something, or think we need something, we go on Amazon or some other online retailer to buy it cheaper and get more of it. We either overlook or aren’t aware of the fact that while there is a low monetary price tag attached to what we buy, the price of humanity is getting increasing higher. What I mean is that while we can buy the latest, wonderful invention created to make our lives easier for under $10.99 with free shipping, we sacrifice the human and fair treatment of the people producing the products and the protection of our environment. The Utopians of Morris’ News from Nowhere have solved this problem by putting pride and value back into the production of products— not just the products themselves. These Utopians produce only what is needed and necessary and nothing else. Essentially solving the “excess crisis” in our own capitalist society and the potential for it in More’s Utopia.

A Lack of Diversity

My first thought when starting Book 2 was: this place seems really boring. Reading about how each of the 54 cities/country towns are "identical in language, manners, customs and laws," I could not imagine being happy in a place like this. I know that the point of making everything the same is to rid society of "unnecessary desires" and to not make any one person better than another. However, I cannot imagine a life without different cultures and languages. While these differences may be a problem for many people in this world, I find them to be beautiful and intriguing and therefore I would not want to be a part of More's Utopia.

I can, however, appreciate the fact that in this utopia, basic skills like agriculture are taught to everyone. I think that's an important concept that should be implemented everywhere. At this time, agriculture was an important skill set and one that everyone should have. In today's time, there are many skills that everyone should be taught, but sadly are not.

Utility over Creativity

Thomas More's Utopia addresses the societal issues of his time with thought-provoking - and at times humorous - solutions.  In Utopia, a material’s worth is measured by its purposefulness.  For instance, Raphael argues that “anyone can see that gold and silver are less useful than iron…Nature gave gold and silver no utility” (75).  Rather, it is our own perceptions of these materials that give them value.  We associate these metals with wealth due to our culture, and we thereby view them as precious.  While good for making jewelry, or coins due to their rarity, gold and silver do not serve any vital purpose.  Therefore, these metals are merely made into chamber pots and slave chains in Utopia (which is also to conceal the fact that people outside of Utopia value gold and silver). Even clothing made from finely-spun wool is seen as unnecessary, for it does not serve its purpose in keeping you any warmer.  Gemstones are toys for children, because although they may be aesthetically pleasing, they do not have any real use for the Utopians. 

It is interesting that anything we currently perceive as valuable could be turned into “marks of disgrace” simply by changing what we associate it with (76).  What already disgusts us – not by its own nature, but merely by what we relate it to?  What I find concerning, though, is how the mindset in Utopia would affect the arts and creative expression.  Even the clothes of the Utopians resemble uniforms in that they're all very similar.  If personal expression does more harm than good, then it certainly would not have a place in Utopia.  However, something seems to be missing from a society that focuses so deeply on utility and not so much on artistry.  While I commend this overall ideal in removing any unnecessary, negative distinction between people, a level of creativity and craftsmanship may also be lost.

Reference:

More, Thomas. Utopia. Toronto: Broadview, 2010. Print.