"Children stood by in absolute silence" during meals. That would be miraculous, but also unnatural and unrealistic as most of Utopia is. Also, Utopians cannot leave their district without permission and are "severely" punished if they try to do so. I would call this oppression, not freedom or equality.
"Their religious principles are of this nature: that the soul of man is immortal, and by God's goodness born for happiness; after this life, rewards are appointed for our virtues and good deeds, punishments for our sins." A form of Christianity.
OK, now it gets weird!
Thomas More was a devout Catholic, so this next passage was a little shocking. "But if the disease is not only incurable, but excruciatingly and continually painful, then the priests and public officials come and urge the invalid not to endure such agony any longer. They remind him that he is now unfit for any of life's duties. a burden to himself and to others; he has really outlived his own death...life is simply torture and the world a mere prison cell...death puts an end not to pleasure, but to agony. Those who have been persuaded by these arguments either starve themselves to death or take a potion which puts them painlessly to sleep..." This argument is used by proponents of euthanasia and assisted suicide; of which the Catholic Church teaches are mortal sins, (deserving of Hell). One must respect life, and not end it, from conception to natural death. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270, 2277, 2280). Again, frighteningly relevant to the 21st century.
Weird item #2: Utopians follow a custom which is indeed "foolish and absurd in the extreme", not to mention pretty shallow; "the bride-to-be is shown naked to the groom by a responsible and respectable matron: and, similarly, some respectable man presents the groom naked to his future bride." He then compares this practice to inspecting a horse and uncovering a "hidden sore". He warns against hating one's spouse for the rest of one's life based on surprises that may be hidden by clothing. This reminds me of something a 14 or 15 year-old person would say, thinking he or she was being very philosophical and articulate.
One last observation: More states that Utopia does not need lawyers, (whom he criticizes extensively) - and he is a lawyer in "real" life.
This book, in my opinion, is a political discourse about everything that was wrong with life in England, (and human nature), as Thomas More knew it. This "pie-in-the-sky" tale, (unrealistic as it is), is simply how he would like for life to be if he were in charge.
The End
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Book 2 continued...
At first, I thought I would like to live in Utopia, (the older I get, the better it sounds), but now I'm not so sure. Everything is so regimented, that can be good or bad. I like the idea of a six hour work day; the rest of the hours in a day being productive, not idle.
"...hardly any of the women..., work." Hmmm. I agree with the footnote writer, this is a strange statement. What does More mean by "work"?
"...these sturdy and lusty beggars, who go about feigning some disease as an excuse for their idleness." Reminds one of current social issues in this country.
The following are two of the most appealing things about Utopia; no fear of hunger, and large public hospitals. In Utopia, "There is plenty of everything...” greed and avarice do not exist. There is more than enough food for everyone; no one takes more than they need. There is always a surplus to share with other, less fortunate countries.
Each city in Utopia has four large public hospitals so that there is plenty of room for the sick. "The hospitals are well-ordered and supplied with everything needed to cure the patients, who are nursed with tender and watchful care. Highly skilled physicians are in constant attendance." If only this could true. This is perfect socialized medicine, truly a fantasy.
"...hardly any of the women..., work." Hmmm. I agree with the footnote writer, this is a strange statement. What does More mean by "work"?
"...these sturdy and lusty beggars, who go about feigning some disease as an excuse for their idleness." Reminds one of current social issues in this country.
The following are two of the most appealing things about Utopia; no fear of hunger, and large public hospitals. In Utopia, "There is plenty of everything...” greed and avarice do not exist. There is more than enough food for everyone; no one takes more than they need. There is always a surplus to share with other, less fortunate countries.
Each city in Utopia has four large public hospitals so that there is plenty of room for the sick. "The hospitals are well-ordered and supplied with everything needed to cure the patients, who are nursed with tender and watchful care. Highly skilled physicians are in constant attendance." If only this could true. This is perfect socialized medicine, truly a fantasy.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thoughts on "Utopia" 2
I have enjoyed reading this book; it is completely not what I thought it would be. I thought it would be boring, above my ability to understand.
Again, as I said in my last blog, so many elements are relevant to us, (society), today.
All men, women, and children learn to farm. Children learn the theory of Agriculture in school and take "field trips" as children do today. I think we all should learn how to garden, at the very least, as most any kind of major crisis could lead to a food shortage. Most of us would not know what to do if we couldn't go to the grocery store.
Each person also learns a trade; wool and linen-making, masonry, metal work, carpentry, etc... Women, (aka the "weaker sex"), perform lighter tasks and men the heavier. Not a very popular concept today, but OK with me.
All the towns are just like Amaurot, the one described. Each house has a door to the street in front and a door to the garden in the back. Sounds like early suburbia.
I'm glad they have glass windows.
Again, as I said in my last blog, so many elements are relevant to us, (society), today.
All men, women, and children learn to farm. Children learn the theory of Agriculture in school and take "field trips" as children do today. I think we all should learn how to garden, at the very least, as most any kind of major crisis could lead to a food shortage. Most of us would not know what to do if we couldn't go to the grocery store.
Each person also learns a trade; wool and linen-making, masonry, metal work, carpentry, etc... Women, (aka the "weaker sex"), perform lighter tasks and men the heavier. Not a very popular concept today, but OK with me.
All the towns are just like Amaurot, the one described. Each house has a door to the street in front and a door to the garden in the back. Sounds like early suburbia.
I'm glad they have glass windows.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thoughts on "Utopia"
Thoughts on "Utopia"
I am enjoying the short biography of Sir Thomas More at the beginning of the book. I have always been very interested in him and have wanted to learn more about him; here is my chance. I would like to know exactly why 16th century Catholic bishops, "place 'Utopia' on their list of prohibited books." I am Catholic and have always been very interested in the history of my Church, especially during the Renaissance period, as there were so many key events and changes.
More's letter to Peter Giles: back to that later.
The opening sentence about Henry VIII; "invincible king, a prince adorned with royal virtues...” seems to be a purposeful statement flattering Henry since the rest of the story describes everything that is wrong with the European monarchies and the monarchs themselves.
Thomas More travels to Flanders on business for the king. He is there to discuss and settle with Charles of Castille. Their meeting is ended because there is no agreement made. More travels to Antwerp to see his friend, Peter Giles. He is the kind of friend we all want and want to be; kind, patient, affectionate, virtuous, wise, witty, cultured, courteous and trustworthy. (Wow)
Peter introduces More to his friend and seasoned traveler; Raphael Hythloday. Raphael is a philosopher who, "knows Latin and is learned in Greek." He knows much about "unknown people and lands," having accompanied Amerigo Vespucci on at least three voyages. On the last voyage, he is purposely marooned with twenty-four others, left at a fort and, "more anxious to pursue his travels than afraid of death."
Raphael claims to have introduced the compass to the natives there, called "Utopians." Formerly timid about traveling, they are now completely confident, (overconfident, even), and unafraid due to the use of the compass. This passage is a little corny. Is the compass symbolic? Is Raphael God's messenger?
"The difference between service and servitude is one syllable." Sounds so modern, cool. Raphael desires neither wealth nor power and has given away all of his possessions.
"Most princes apply themselves to the arts of war, in which I have neither ability nor interest, instead of to the good arts of peace." This is in part his argument against counseling to kings as More suggests he should.
Raphael begins to relate a discussion between Cardinal John Morton, a lawyer, a friar, and himself. (Interesting that Morton was so impressed with More as a child, that he arranged for his Oxford education). It begins with the execution of simple thieves, unfair and ineffective, says Raphael. Instead of punishing theft so severely, help all men to be able to earn a living.
The production of wool is another reason for thievery, "every acre enclosed for pasture.” (for sheep). Feudal tenants are dismissed with no place to go; whole families.
Monopoly and oligopoly - surprised to see these terms in use so long ago.
"Hideous poverty exists side by side with wanton luxury."
"It seems to me, most kind and reverent father", says Raphael, "that it is altogether unjust to take someone's life for taking money. Nothing in the world that fortune can bestow is equal in value to human life."... "But then, what prevents men from making other laws in the same way-perhaps even laws legalizing rape, adultery, perjury?" How about abortion? This argument is so relevant to what is going on in the world today. The disregard for human life, (especially in this country), is leading to all kinds of treachery.
How can England's "new law" of Christ be harsher and more severe that the law of Moses where death was never a penalty for any crime, certainly not theft.
Persian Ploylerites:
Criminals work constantly, make restitution, atone for sins, ("see the necessity of being honest"), slaves, have a chopped ear for ID, can be whipped, wear a special badge, must stay in own district, carry no money or weapons, "accept punishment in the spirit of obedience" and possibly earn freedom. Or try to escape and die for doing so. Is this the labor camp?
I love reading this book.
More says to Raphael, basically he is now convinced that, "There is no place for philosophy in the council of kings." But, You can have some positive impact and you have the obligation to try so that, "What you cannot turn to good, you may at least make as little bad as possible."
Utopia sounds like Communism with the presence of God.
Luckily, a ship of Romans and Egyptians wrecked on Utopia and they never left. They taught the Utopians many important things they may not have otherwise figured out. This passage made me laugh.
I like this quote, "Only rich men can afford to seek positions which ought to be held by the wise."
I am enjoying the short biography of Sir Thomas More at the beginning of the book. I have always been very interested in him and have wanted to learn more about him; here is my chance. I would like to know exactly why 16th century Catholic bishops, "place 'Utopia' on their list of prohibited books." I am Catholic and have always been very interested in the history of my Church, especially during the Renaissance period, as there were so many key events and changes.
More's letter to Peter Giles: back to that later.
The opening sentence about Henry VIII; "invincible king, a prince adorned with royal virtues...” seems to be a purposeful statement flattering Henry since the rest of the story describes everything that is wrong with the European monarchies and the monarchs themselves.
Thomas More travels to Flanders on business for the king. He is there to discuss and settle with Charles of Castille. Their meeting is ended because there is no agreement made. More travels to Antwerp to see his friend, Peter Giles. He is the kind of friend we all want and want to be; kind, patient, affectionate, virtuous, wise, witty, cultured, courteous and trustworthy. (Wow)
Peter introduces More to his friend and seasoned traveler; Raphael Hythloday. Raphael is a philosopher who, "knows Latin and is learned in Greek." He knows much about "unknown people and lands," having accompanied Amerigo Vespucci on at least three voyages. On the last voyage, he is purposely marooned with twenty-four others, left at a fort and, "more anxious to pursue his travels than afraid of death."
Raphael claims to have introduced the compass to the natives there, called "Utopians." Formerly timid about traveling, they are now completely confident, (overconfident, even), and unafraid due to the use of the compass. This passage is a little corny. Is the compass symbolic? Is Raphael God's messenger?
"The difference between service and servitude is one syllable." Sounds so modern, cool. Raphael desires neither wealth nor power and has given away all of his possessions.
"Most princes apply themselves to the arts of war, in which I have neither ability nor interest, instead of to the good arts of peace." This is in part his argument against counseling to kings as More suggests he should.
Raphael begins to relate a discussion between Cardinal John Morton, a lawyer, a friar, and himself. (Interesting that Morton was so impressed with More as a child, that he arranged for his Oxford education). It begins with the execution of simple thieves, unfair and ineffective, says Raphael. Instead of punishing theft so severely, help all men to be able to earn a living.
The production of wool is another reason for thievery, "every acre enclosed for pasture.” (for sheep). Feudal tenants are dismissed with no place to go; whole families.
Monopoly and oligopoly - surprised to see these terms in use so long ago.
"Hideous poverty exists side by side with wanton luxury."
"It seems to me, most kind and reverent father", says Raphael, "that it is altogether unjust to take someone's life for taking money. Nothing in the world that fortune can bestow is equal in value to human life."... "But then, what prevents men from making other laws in the same way-perhaps even laws legalizing rape, adultery, perjury?" How about abortion? This argument is so relevant to what is going on in the world today. The disregard for human life, (especially in this country), is leading to all kinds of treachery.
How can England's "new law" of Christ be harsher and more severe that the law of Moses where death was never a penalty for any crime, certainly not theft.
Persian Ploylerites:
Criminals work constantly, make restitution, atone for sins, ("see the necessity of being honest"), slaves, have a chopped ear for ID, can be whipped, wear a special badge, must stay in own district, carry no money or weapons, "accept punishment in the spirit of obedience" and possibly earn freedom. Or try to escape and die for doing so. Is this the labor camp?
I love reading this book.
More says to Raphael, basically he is now convinced that, "There is no place for philosophy in the council of kings." But, You can have some positive impact and you have the obligation to try so that, "What you cannot turn to good, you may at least make as little bad as possible."
Utopia sounds like Communism with the presence of God.
Luckily, a ship of Romans and Egyptians wrecked on Utopia and they never left. They taught the Utopians many important things they may not have otherwise figured out. This passage made me laugh.
I like this quote, "Only rich men can afford to seek positions which ought to be held by the wise."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder-
Diplomatic travels abroad influenced his writing; introduced the sonnet to England. Narrowly escaped death at the hands of Henry VIII, 2 times.
"Whoso list to hunt"
He is tired of seeking female deer?
Like attempting to hold the wind in a net?
Futile, exhausting; even if he is successful, she is too wild to hold onto even though she seems tame. This sounds like a man who is tiring of the pursuit of the woman he loves and will probably never obtain. Anne Boleyn?
"My Galley"
The subject is traveling late at night on a ship in dangerous seas? Those accompanying him are unconcerned about his well-being. In this poem, the writer expresses extreme insecurity, uncertainty, and fear. But of whom or what? Himself, his life?
Apparently, he has little hope of making it home: "Drowned is reason that should me consort, and I remain despairing of the port."
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder-
Diplomatic travels abroad influenced his writing; introduced the sonnet to England. Narrowly escaped death at the hands of Henry VIII, 2 times.
"Whoso list to hunt"
He is tired of seeking female deer?
Like attempting to hold the wind in a net?
Futile, exhausting; even if he is successful, she is too wild to hold onto even though she seems tame. This sounds like a man who is tiring of the pursuit of the woman he loves and will probably never obtain. Anne Boleyn?
"My Galley"
The subject is traveling late at night on a ship in dangerous seas? Those accompanying him are unconcerned about his well-being. In this poem, the writer expresses extreme insecurity, uncertainty, and fear. But of whom or what? Himself, his life?
Apparently, he has little hope of making it home: "Drowned is reason that should me consort, and I remain despairing of the port."
Intro to 16th Century - reading
Intro to 16th Century - reading
I have never done this before, so bear with me and I hope I am doing what is expected of me for this class - I will use all the advice I can get.
The 16th Century is a fascinating time in the history of the world, but Henry VIII was an insane monarch and he repulses me. He declared himself the head of the English Church! Despite this fact, many interesting historical events occurred.
English was a language that carried no importance until the end of the 16th C
More's well-received "Utopia" written in Latin and not translated to English until late 1550's.
By 1600, English language very powerful communication medium- talented writers created many remarkable works in the language, including Bible translations.
The House of Tudor, "Groom of the Stool", courtiers
Court center of culture and power: theatre and masque, dress, speech, tastes in music, painting and poetry.
Economic boom-time for England, especially London.
Renaissance in Italy influenced rebirth in England.
Beginning of Humanist perspectives and thought.
Education focus,"shifted from training for the Church to the general acquisition of literature...”
REFORMATION - (I like the first paragraph about Catholicism). Martin Luther forever changed Christianity; "sola scriptura", "sola fide".
Key Players: Zwingli, Calvin, Pope Leo X, Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII.
And then, "Bloody Mary" and Elizabeth.
I have never done this before, so bear with me and I hope I am doing what is expected of me for this class - I will use all the advice I can get.
The 16th Century is a fascinating time in the history of the world, but Henry VIII was an insane monarch and he repulses me. He declared himself the head of the English Church! Despite this fact, many interesting historical events occurred.
English was a language that carried no importance until the end of the 16th C
More's well-received "Utopia" written in Latin and not translated to English until late 1550's.
By 1600, English language very powerful communication medium- talented writers created many remarkable works in the language, including Bible translations.
The House of Tudor, "Groom of the Stool", courtiers
Court center of culture and power: theatre and masque, dress, speech, tastes in music, painting and poetry.
Economic boom-time for England, especially London.
Renaissance in Italy influenced rebirth in England.
Beginning of Humanist perspectives and thought.
Education focus,"shifted from training for the Church to the general acquisition of literature...”
REFORMATION - (I like the first paragraph about Catholicism). Martin Luther forever changed Christianity; "sola scriptura", "sola fide".
Key Players: Zwingli, Calvin, Pope Leo X, Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII.
And then, "Bloody Mary" and Elizabeth.
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