Utopia

Thomas More's classic of political philosophy depicts an island society where all residents lives in harmony with one another.

Published in 1516, Utopia sees Sir Thomas More advances many tenets of what he views to be a perfect society. His use of the word 'utopia' as the name of the harmonious island nation he writes about entered the popular vernacular, and is now used to describe any society where life is perfect for all of its inhabitants.

More describes the social customs, means of transport, a lack of private property, trust between residents who do not lock their doors, a simple spartan lifestyle free of ostentation, a welfare state, free health care, a priesthood permitted to marry, and gender equality when it comes to matters of work. Those who commit crime are sentenced to slavery, with slaves also imported to carry out domestic duties in Utopia's households.

The island is home to several religious factions, some worshipping nature forces and others believing in one God - all however are tolerant of the other, and do not argue or otherwise conflict between themselves. War is avoided, although Utopia occasionally provides aid to a warring faction or captures an enemy in order to broker lasting peace.

Although the book is a work of fiction, many of the concepts More advances as hallmarks of his ideal society were adopted by governments in the centuries following his publication. Over the years, various interpretations for More's authorship have been put forth - some view the work as satire upon Europe's dysfunctional monarchies, while others argue that it is a honest work advancing Renaissance humanism.