B I B L I O N - A C H R I S T I A N B OO K P U B L I C AT I O N
for Utopia than sacrifice their own
people in the battlefront; not to
mention that, by doing this, Utopians
guaranteed that their enemies could
not hire these mercenaries for the
same effect. A deeper understanding
on how Utopians saw bloodshed in
general helps Hythloday (and in turn,
the reader) realize this was in fact the
best course of action for the Utopian
people. It is the wise ways of Utopia
that often lead Hythloday to contrast
the island nation, which he remarks
as “the only commonwealth that truly
deserves that name,” with the petty
kingdoms of Europe and their oppres-
sive laws, warmongering culture and
prideful nature. He concludes there is
much that these kingdoms can learn
from Utopia’s example, but also that
it’s not his place to bring about such
improvements.
More’s role in the conversation lar-
gely dominated by Hythloday is that
of a mere listener with remarkable
etiquette; even in his conclusion to the
fictional conversation, More remained
quite reserved on his final thoughts,
vaguely stating that he would like to
see more of Utopia in England des-
pite not agreeing with some of their
policies and customs. This, however,
should come as no surprise; More was
an adamant Catholic and counter-re-
former, so he would probably refuse
to accept the Utopian principle of fe-
male priesthood or the nation’s views
regarding divorce. What should come
as a surprise, though, is that More,
being the devout Catholic he was,
would envision these things as part
of a true and perfect commonwealth.
The matter of Utopia’s interpretation
is indeed a tricky one, with the satire
being so complex and believable, and
yet bearing so many hints of ridicule,
that its exact meaning and purpose
become inscrutable.
Whether More was being cynical
in his work is, nevertheless, beside the
point; Utopia and its concepts have
been pivotal in shaping the political
spectrum of the world and in raising
awareness to the principles of com-
mon good and civic responsibility.
While Thomas More may have never
expected to see an earthly Utopia in
his lifetime, the reality still seeks to
emulate the fiction; it is up to us to
honor More’s legacy and strive to
bring to fruition what only seemed
like a hopeful dream in the sixteenth
century – and it starts by reading this
marvelous work.
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