Utopia Book II Summary-3 PDF

Preview

Summary

pages 28 - 50...

Description

Utopia Book II: Summary

Utopia, Book II: 28 - 50 Utopia is an island that originally was part of a country that was conquered by Utopus, who made it a place of intellect and decided to change how it looked - formed a man-made channel to separate itself from the rest of the continent. -

Utopus was a nice guy - he had the Utopian soldiers pitch in to help the natives so they didn't feel more put down after being conquered.

-

So many workers, the project was completed fast - neighboring countries were intimidated.

-

44 cities all the same culture, laws, language, etc.

Each town has a farm house with 40 people, two slaves, mistress and mister, and then a leader of the farm. -

Always have a surplus of food so everyone gets what they need.

-

Amaurot is the only different city (this is where Raphael lived). -

There is a wall around the city, a river running through the center, very pretty.

Each city has a “community leader” or (syphogrant). -

The people are in charge of electing a prince using a secret ballot - they stay in reign their whole life but if viewed as a tyrant they are removed.

-

Senate can not debate something the same day it is brought up.

Day-to-day life in utopia: -

Most people farm but they also have their own special skills that contributes to the country.

-

Everyone has the same clothes and do not value superficial things.

-

They only work six hours a day so they rest of their time is for educational activities (learning and self-improvement).

-

Ademos = the prince’s title

-

People are constanting building and keep up with their buildings so no major repairs have to be done.

Family life: -

Number balance is key (size of the family, size of the city, etc).

-

Oldest male is in charge, women and children help out.

-

Families share everything they produce (NO private property).

-

Regular citizens can not kill animals for food, that is unethical (they have to call in a Bondsman).

-

Families eat dinner in town halls (all public - they also get EQUAL amounts of food). -

Seating is all by prestige

-

Meal discussions are about moral readings

Utopia will declare a war on a country if they believe they aren't using their land properly (totally justifiable, otherwise the land goes to waste).

-

If they have a big surplus, they will give their extra resources to other countries on credit.

You must have permission to travel into the country (you don't need to bring anything, everything will be provided). -

Traveling without permission = end up as a slave

Silver and gold are not considered to be valuables - chains for criminals or something for children to play with. -

Story: Some visitor came to Utopia wearing this whole get up and people were confused and thought he looked ridiculous.

-

They do not understand wealth and why rich people have prominent, power positions. -

Children learn about the foolishness of wealth.

Virtue is following Nature as closely as possible (humble). -

Good to follow the laws - will not cause any harm to others.

BAD pleasures: fancy clothes, big honors, jewels, gambling, hunting (all laid out by Raphael). -

Have nothing to do with nature and people become way too into themselves....