the Duplicity in More’s Utopia

Thomas More’s "Utopia" is a complex work that presents ambivalent duplicities, compelling readers to question More's true views on the feasibility of a utopian society. Through a detailed portrayal of Utopia, More reveals his humanistic perspectives, exploring the essence of human nature, the importance of reason, and natural law. The intricate dynamics within his fictional society serve as a platform for discussing humanist principles interwoven with societal functions. This essay will argue that despite More's intricate depiction of an ideal society, "Utopia" ultimately underscores the unattainable nature of such an ideal due to inherent contradictions and the complex nature of human behavior.

A Satirical Lens on Human Nature

More’s "Utopia" is rife with satirical and contradictory elements, suggesting that the ideal of a utopian society is fundamentally unattainable.

The narrative serves as a public declaration of More’s humanist beliefs, many of which are expressed through the character of Raphael Hythloday. For instance, Hythloday critiques the reluctance of kings to heed advice, claiming they are “drenched as they are and infected with false values from boyhood” (More, Cambridge University Press, p. 52). This statement reflects a humanist notion that humans are not innately corrupt but are susceptible to external influences that lead to wrongdoing. The concept of 'infection' implies that while human nature is malleable, it is also vulnerable to corruption.

Nevertheless, this argument encounters challenges when considering the diverse upbringing of individuals. Humans are born into different circumstances, and their moral development varies significantly. More's proposition that human nature can be molded entirely toward good is impractical without a standardized method of upbringing—an idea that is itself unrealistic. Raphael's observation, “Pride is too deeply fixed in human nature to be easily plucked out” (More, p. 11), contradicts the earlier claim, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of achieving a utopian society through humanist means. Through the fictional dialogue between More and Hythloday, More reveals his internal conflict between his humanist convictions and his obligations as a servant to the King.

Reason and Intellectual Exploration

A core aspect of Renaissance humanism, emphasized by More, is the value of reason and intellectual pursuit. In "Utopia," More depicts a society where individuals spend leisure time engaging in academic activities. The principle of reason is particularly evident in Utopia’s religious beliefs, where various religions are unified by natural guidance. Utopians argue that the true way to honor God aligns with fulfilling natural intentions through reason. This reflects humanist theories that divine laws exist to guide humanity.

However, More's vision raises questions about the feasibility of such a society. What happens when individuals within this society reject religious beliefs, lean towards realism, or embrace evolutionism? More’s portrayal of a homogenous belief system is unrealistic, especially in a society that encourages intellectual exploration. Curiosity, a natural human trait, drives individuals to question established beliefs, including the nature of existence. A truly perfect society, if it were to exist, would need to accommodate diverse perspectives and individuality. Such diversity, however, challenges the very notion of a homogeneous utopian society. More's Utopia, therefore, emerges as a construct that intentionally embodies humanist ideals while simultaneously questioning their practicality.

The Role of Religion and Moral Punishment

Additionally, More's own Christian beliefs seem to conflict with the pagan ideas proposed in Utopia, reflecting a tension between natural law and religious doctrine. More addresses this by suggesting that a religion guided by reason aligns with Christianity: “after they had heard from us the name of Christ you would not believe how they were impressed” (More, p. 447). Religion is a significant aspect of Utopian society, yet in modern contexts, a society centered around religious governance poses challenges to political and social order. More discusses the afterlife with the assertion that “vices are to be punished and virtue rewarded” (More, p. 449). This punitive approach contradicts the humanist potential for redemption through reasoned guidance. If humanism promotes the positive potential of mankind, then a society that resorts to punishment, rather than corrective measures, fails to embody true humanist ideals.

More's depiction of Utopia's governance, as described by Raphael, further illustrates this ambivalence: “If you had seen them, you would frankly confess that you had never seen a people well governed anywhere but there” (More, p. 41). This ambiguous response reflects More’s uncertainty about Utopia’s feasibility. While More strives to present Utopia as an exemplary humanist society, the narrative suggests that describing a perfect state is much simpler than realizing it. His depiction of Utopians’ approach to wealth, “they have accumulated a vast treasure, but they do not keep it like a treasure,” (More, p. 443) underscores his hesitance. If More is uneasy about articulating these humanist values, it casts doubt on his representation of humanism and raises questions about the logical functioning of such a society.

Conclusion

Thomas More’s "Utopia" serves as a profound exploration of humanist ideals, delving into the malleability of human nature and the role of reason. However, the work’s satirical and contradictory elements underscore the impracticality of achieving a perfect society. More illustrates that while the concept of a utopian state is enticing, its realization is fraught with challenges arising from human complexity and societal dynamics. The narrative ultimately reveals that while humanism offers a framework for understanding human potential, its application in creating a flawless society remains elusive. More's work, therefore, stands as a testament to innovative thought, questioning the boundaries of humanism and the very possibility of a utopian existence.

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