Questions About Utopia

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Answered Questions (4)

Do you remember 'Ever After' featured Utopia quite heavily? That's what inspired me to get a copy.

Caitlyn I had high hopes for some sort of great story because of that movie. I was left quite disappointed in the reality of actually reading Utopia.

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is it hard to read? or understand?

Pheetah Well, if you compare with the books in the same scope, Utopia is easy to understand...

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The writer is strictly criticizing the scholastic philosophy when he speaks about "universal human" and why utopians can't see the bilateral nature of the realism. On the other hand, in his personal life he was against the protestant movement and also king`s decision about separation from Catholic church. He was even honored with the title of "saint" after his death. I am desperately confused here. Any explanation?

Lauren I know this was four years ago, but I hope this helps. I think he was criticising the philosopher in that humans cannot mould to one ideal or one poli…moreI know this was four years ago, but I hope this helps. I think he was criticising the philosopher in that humans cannot mould to one ideal or one political ideology. Especially something as demanding or as complex as the one in Utopia which is a starting point/very similar to communism. Moore said himself at the end that he felt some of the customs in Utopia were foolish and that they would never work. In that way he is proving why that society couldn't work, in the fact that many people would still demand or want luxury and power instead of everyone being equal. Moore is no 'saint' he is just human. He wanted power in Henry the eighths court, he received it in the house of commons. However growing up as a page for the arch bishop of Canterbury (very catholic) he would of grown up believing in the pope and Catholicism not the protestant movement. He was named a saint by the Catholic church because he was beheaded for his refusal to agree with Henry leaving the catholic church. This was and is seen as a sacrifice to try and keep England catholic. The two between the book and his life aren't necessarily related, rather he is an example of the bilateral nature of humans and realism. (less)

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Anyone recommend a decent readable translation (in modern English)?

Ellen Paul Turner's translation, the Penguin Classics version from around 1962, is really good. I found it to be easily understood and the translator's note…morePaul Turner's translation, the Penguin Classics version from around 1962, is really good. I found it to be easily understood and the translator's notes were very insightful. It is bringing the themes into modern language without distorting their meaning which I really appreciated. (less)

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