Raphael Hythloday describes the 54 Utopian cites as "all spacious and magnificent, identical in language, customs, institutions, and laws. So far as the location permits, all are built on the same plan, and have the same appearance" (More 547).
While that might produce the same kind of reassurance that knowing every McDonald's in every city and town in this country serve the same hamburger and fries, what might be the limitations to that kind of order? What attitude about life does that imply?
8 comments:
Several limitations would be present with the kind of order Hythloday describes in the 54 Utopian cities. Although at the onset it might seem like life would be easier to know there was a guarantee that everything would the same, all the time, every day, there would be no new discoveries or motivation to be better than the current state. People in such a society would become content with everything and would never have the desire to work for something more or to be better than their current selves. I think people would become lax in their thinking, their actions, and their entire lives.
The style of Utopian cities at first seems like it would be a great idea. Everyone is equal and the the way of life is routine. However, that seems quite boring. With this style of living there is no room for change. Everyone is basically the same, making life almost robotic. Life is all about being unique and your own person, and Utopia does not allow for that. The style of clothes is even set, making it impossible to stand out and dress the way one pleases. Since the trade is a family tradition, you really do not get a say in your profession. If all 54 cities are the same, there is no available travel destination. This way of life is very mundane. I would think the attitude of life is very statics. Daily life is already planned, so it seems interest, ideas, and work ethic would be very low.
Lisa,
While I was thinking about it, this way of life seems great at first. Everything is set, therefore no unexpected events could disrupt daily life. However, surprises and not being ready for situations is what makes life interesting. I agree that it seems there would be no motivation or ideas for the citizens. Everything would remain the same because they are content with their lives. This way of life seems boring to us since we are use to and know nothing other than being in the fast lane through life and making our own choices.
Mariah,
I completely agree. The word, "robotic," in the sense you used it in was a perfect description. Life would become so incredibly routine and mechanic that, as you said, surprises would not be possible--and surprises and the unexpected are what make life interesting and scary all at once. Although I'm a person of routine, I don't think I could ever see myself happy in the kind of city Hythloday is describing. I enjoy the unexpected things that happen in life, and I'm not sure anyone would prefer to live in such an ordered, sickeningly perfect world.
For one thing, all citizens would have to conform to the ways of government, whether it be living in the exact same house as John down the street, or having to all dress exactly the same. I think a society like Utopia would lead to some strict rules of governing that would end up oppressing the people instead of helping create a paradise for its citizens. It would stunt creativity, and uniqueness.
It would be its own form of slavery. If you give people everything they could need in life, why would they ever break rules or fight for anything they feel passionate about? In a way, a Utopian society would act as a drug, keeping people content all the time, not wanting to do anything else with themselves. It would rob them of their humanity and turn them into pets. No one would be driven to pursue their dreams, or have any goals worth achieving. As ideal as Utopia would sound, it wouldn't really be a paradise.
Mariah,
You definitely examined the lives of people very well in your response. Utopia would turn its citizens into robots indeed, and their would be no room to show off one's uniqueness. Boredom would absolutely take its toll on people. I know I hate it when my week is planned out to the last minute I'm awake. I like variety and spontaneity. If things become too scheduled, I get bored and upset. So I honestly don't see how people of an Utopian society would be able to deal with the conformity and sameness of it all.
The Utopian society, which sounds intriguing at first, is actually very limiting in the government and the lifestyle of its citizens. There are no opportunities for self-expression; everything is the same. No one would even be able to hang curtains or a certain picture on their wall because it would violate the rules of society. Although it seems that making everyone live the same way and dress identically would eliminate some problems such as poverty, dictatorship, and feelings of inadequacy, I am afraid that this kind of stifling lifestyle would actually hinder people’s lives more than help.
In regards to every McDonald’s in our country serving the same menu; although this restaurant chain contains the basic Utopian-style theory, people are free to make changes and variations to their orders, which would not be acceptable in Utopia. In Utopia, everyone would be eating their burgers with onions and mustard without complaining.
Lisa,
I completely agree with your comment. Life in Utopia sounds extrememly boring and would definitely limit someone's creativity. Perhaps creativity is not even allowed.
I agree with you that people would not want to work for something better in their lives. What would be the point? Why would they want to when there would be nothing to gain but possible enslavement?
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