my own utopia essay

Essays About Utopia: Top 6 Examples and 9 Prompts

Struggling to write essays about utopia? Our essay examples about utopia plus prompts will be useful in your writing journey. 

Utopia refers to an imaginary world where perfect societies are created. Translated as “no place” in Greek, the term was coined by English Statesman Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book “Utopia.” In More’s Utopia, a political satire, people share the same ways of life and live in harmony.

Utopia in various contexts has been used to define a perfect society that has served as the foundation of several ideologies. However, it has also been slammed for propelling people to strive for the impossible and dismiss realities on the ground. Various schools of thought have risen to improve on the utopian concept.

6 Helpful Essay Examples

1. utopian thinking: the easy way to eradicate poverty by rutger bregman, 2. the schools of utopia by john dewey, 3. metaverse: utopia for virtual business opportunities right now by noah rue, 4. saudi’s neom is dystopia portrayed as utopia by edwin heathcote, 5. streaming utopia: imagining digital music’s perfect world by marc hogan, 6. what’s the difference between utopia, eutopia, and protopia by hanzi freinacht, 1. describe your utopia, 2. my utopian vacation, 3. what is utopian literature, 4. utopia vs. dystopia in movies, 5. plato on utopia, 6. utopia of feminists, 7. dangers of utopian thinking, 8. utopia in capitalism, 9. your utopia for education.

“The time for small thoughts and little nudges is past. The time has come for new, radical ideas. If this sounds utopian to you, then remember that every milestone of civilisation – the end of slavery, democracy, equal rights for men and women – was once a utopian fantasy too.”

The article brings to light a utopian vision for eradicating poverty. This vision involves providing annual income to the poor. While such a scheme has drawn criticism over the possibility of dampening beneficiaries’ inclination to work. The essay cites the success of a Canadian field experiment that provided the entire town of Dauphin a monthly income for four years and helped ease poor living conditions. You might also be interested in these essays about Beowulf .

“The most Utopian thing in Utopia is that there are no schools at all. Education is carried on without anything of the nature of schools, or, if this idea is so extreme that we cannot conceive of it as educational at all, then we may say nothing of the sort at present we know as schools.”

John Dewey , an American philosopher, and education reformist, contested the old ways of schooling where rows of students recite and memorize lessons. In this speech, he illuminates the need for education to be a lived experience rather than confined within the four corners of a classroom. Check out these essays about freedom .

“The metaverse looks like a good business opportunity right now, but emerging markets are always volatile, and changing laws or regulations could turn the metaverse from a profitable utopia into a cash-guzzling dystopia for business.”

Businesses of all sizes are beginning to enter the metaverse. As with all pursuits, early movers are gaining the biggest advantage in carving out their niche in the utopian digital world. But despite the blazing popularity of the metaverse, a degree of caution must still be exercised as the virtual space is uncharted territory for sustainable business profitability. 

“The inside is, of course, rendered as a bucolic techno-utopia, a valley of trees and foliage, the new Babylon. This is the great contemporary cliché. No matter how huge the building, how hideous the ethics, everything can be concealed by a bit of greenery.”

Saudi and humanity’s biggest ambition for a future eco-city is a trillion-dollar city in the middle of a desert. But the ways to attain this utopian city might not live up to the rhetoric it has been selling, as its gigantic promises of free-flowing energy and technology haven’t accounted for their resulting environmental costs. 

“Many were happy with their current digital tools… and just wished for slight improvements, though they frequently expressed concern that artists should be getting a bigger cut of the profits.”

The essay interviews a handful of music nerds and junkies and asks them to describe their utopia in the music streaming world. Some were as ambitious as seeing an integration of music libraries and having all their music collections for free fit into their phones. 

“The Utopian believes in progress. The Eutopian believes in critique and a rediscovery of simpler wisdoms and relationships. The Protopian believes that progress can be enacted by understanding how the many critiques and rediscoveries of wisdom are interconnected into a larger whole.”

A political philosopher, Freinacht dissects the differences between utopia, eutopia, and protopia in modern and post-modern contexts. He concludes that protopia is the best way to go as it centers on the reality of daily progress and the beauty of listening to the diversity of human experiences.

9 Interesting Prompts To Begin Your Essays About Utopia

Describe your idea of a perfect world. You could start your essay with the common question of what you think would make the world a better place. Then, provide an ambitious answer, such as a world without poverty or violence. Next, explain why this is the one evil you would like to weed out from the world. Finally, provide background showing the gravity of the situation and why it needs urgent resolution.

For this essay, try to describe your ideal vacation as detailed and colorful as possible to the point that your readers feel they are pulled into your utopia. Pump out your creative juices by adding as many elements that can effectively and strikingly describe your ultimate paradise.

More’s Utopia was a great success among the elites of its time. The groundbreaking book gave way to a new genre: utopian literature. For this writing prompt, describe utopian literature and analyze what new perspectives such genre could offer. Cite famous examples such as More’s Utopia and describe the lessons which could be mused from these utopian novels. 

Dystopia is the opposite of utopia. In your essay, explain the differences od dystopia and utopia, then provide a brief historical summary of how each came about. Cite film examples for each genre and try to answer which of the two is the more popular today. Finally, investigate to understand why there is greater leaning toward this genre and how this genre feeds into the fantasies of today’s audience.

While Plato never used the word “utopia” since he lived long before its conception, Plato is credited for creating the first utopian literary work, The Republic . Summarize the utopia as described by Plato and analyze how his ideals figure in the modern world.  

Interview at least three feminists and ask them to describe what a utopia for feminists would look like and why this is their ideal world. How is society expected to behave in their ideal world? Then, consolidate their answers to build the backbone of your essay. You may also search for feminist utopia novels and compare the concepts of these novels to the answers of the feminists you interviewed.

Genocides made to forward extreme ideologies have been linked to utopian thinking. Identify the dangers of aiming for the perfect society and cite past incidents where groups committed heinous crimes to achieve their utopia. To conclude, offer viable solutions, including the proper mindset, realistic setting of boundaries, and actions that groups should carry out when striving to create change.

Greedy capitalism is blamed for a slew of problems facing today: environmental abuse, labor exploitation, and a gaping divide in income equality that is stoking dissatisfaction among many workers and compelling calls to tax the rich. For your essay, enumerate the problems of capitalism and the remedies being sought to direct the capitalist endeavors to more sustainable projects.

Beyond Dewey’s utopia for the educational system, write your wishlist for how learning should be built at schools. Your utopian school could implement any policy, from having minimal assignments to more educational field trips and challenging activities every day. Finally, explain how this could elevate the educational experience among students, back up your utopian goals with research that also recommends this setup for schools. When editing for grammar, we also recommend improving the readability score of a piece of writing before publishing or submitting. For more guidance, read our explainer on grammar and syntax .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Essay on My Utopia

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Utopia in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Utopia

My perfect world.

In my utopia, everyone smiles. It’s a place where the sun shines brightly, and the sky is always clear. Trees are tall, and flowers bloom in every color you can imagine. People are kind and share with each other, making sure no one is ever lonely or sad.

Peace and Friendship

In this dreamland, there are no fights. Children play together, laughing and learning from one another. Adults work jobs they love, and they always have time for family and friends. No one is in a hurry, and stress is a word no one knows.

Learning and Fun

Schools are fun places in my utopia. Teachers are friendly, and every lesson feels like an adventure. Kids are excited to learn new things, and they help each other understand. Homework is never too hard, and everyone gets good grades.

Healthy and Happy

People in my utopia eat the tastiest fruits and vegetables, which they grow in their gardens. Everyone is healthy and full of energy. Doctors are there to help with a smile, and no one is ever too sick to play or work.

Animals and Nature

Wild animals live safely in the forests, and people take care of them. We all respect nature and make sure our rivers, lakes, and oceans are clean. The air is fresh, and the whole world is a beautiful garden where every living thing is happy.

250 Words Essay on My Utopia

My dream world.

Imagine a place where every day is filled with joy, and the sun always shines bright. This is my dream world, my utopia. It’s a land where everyone is kind and helps each other. No one ever feels sad or alone because there’s always a friend nearby.

Peace and Nature

In my perfect place, there are no fights or wars. People solve their problems by talking and listening to one another. The air is clean, the water is clear, and the trees are tall and green. Animals run free and safe, and we all live in harmony with the earth.

Schools in my utopia are fun places where learning is a game. Teachers are friendly and every student is excited to learn new things. We don’t just read books; we go on adventures to discover the world. And the best part? No homework!

Health and Happiness

Everyone is healthy because there is plenty of good food and clean water for all. Doctors and nurses take care of us when we are sick, and it doesn’t cost anything. Smiles are everywhere because when people are healthy, they are happy.

Sharing and Caring

In my utopia, sharing is the most important rule. No one is too rich or too poor because everything is shared. If you have three apples and your friend has none, you give them one. That way, everyone has enough.

This is my utopia, a place of peace, joy, and friendship. It’s a world I dream of, where every day is a beautiful adventure.

500 Words Essay on My Utopia

Introduction to my utopia.

My Utopia is a perfect place that I dream about. It is a world where everything is peaceful, happy, and full of joy. In this place, all people are friends and there are no fights or sadness. Everyone has what they need and they share with others. It is a beautiful place with clean air, green trees, and clear blue skies.

People and Their Lives

In my dream world, everyone is kind and helpful. They care about each other and work together to make life better. No one is poor or hungry because there is enough food for everyone. People do not have to work too hard; they have time to play and enjoy life with their families and friends. Children go to school to learn, but they also have fun and play games. Everyone is healthy because they eat good food and the doctors take great care of them.

Homes and Cities

The homes in my Utopia are cozy and safe. They are just the right size for each family and are surrounded by pretty gardens. The cities are not too big, so they are not crowded or dirty. There are parks and playgrounds everywhere. The streets are clean and there are no cars that make smoke. Instead, people ride bikes or walk to where they need to go. This helps keep the air clean and fresh.

Animals are free and happy in my Utopia. People treat them with love and never hurt them. There are many forests, lakes, and mountains where animals can live in peace. The plants and trees are green and full of life. People take care of the Earth and make sure it stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Technology and Learning

In my perfect world, technology helps people but does not make them lazy. It is used to make work easier and to learn new things. Schools have computers and other tools to help children learn better. But children also learn outside in nature. They understand how important it is to protect the environment and use technology in a way that does not harm the Earth.

Leadership and Rules

Leaders in my Utopia are fair and honest. They listen to the people and make good decisions that help everyone. There are rules, but they are simple and make sense. The rules are there to keep people safe and happy, not to control them. Everyone follows the rules because they know it is best for all.

My Utopia may be a dream, but it is a good dream. It teaches us to hope for a better world and to work towards making it real. Even if we cannot have a perfect world, we can try to make our world a little bit like Utopia. We can be kind, take care of each other, and protect nature. By doing these things, we can make our world a happier place for everyone.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Values
• Essay on My Village Church
• Essay on Mysore Palace

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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April 23, 2017

What's Your Utopia?

Imagining an ideal world can help us make this world better

By John Horgan

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Utopia gets a bad rap. If someone calls you or your idea “utopian,” they usually mean it as an insult, a synonym for naïve and unrealistic. As his run for the Presidency wound down, Bernie Sanders griped , “There is nothing we’ve said in our campaign that is pie-in-the-sky or utopian.” My call for an end to war is often derided as utopian.

But everyone, it seems to me, should envision an ideal world, one much better than ours. Even if you doubt your utopia is attainable, it can serve as a useful thought experiment. Imagine a really good world, and imagine how we can get there. All progress begins with such wishful thinking .

That’s why I’ve been asking smart people, “What’s your utopia?” See the responses of Sabine Hossenfelder , Stephen Wolfram , Scott Aaronson , Eliezer Yudkowsky ,  Sheldon Solomon  and Robin Hanson . I recently posed this question to a freshman humanities class and gave the students 10 minutes to write responses. Below are excerpts from their answers, one of which defines utopia as “a world with the perfect amount of imperfection.” I hope these responses prod readers to dream up their own utopias.

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Nazrin: I imagine a world without greed, hunger, thirst, violence, but with subtle pains that make our happy moments even more valuable and precious. I imagine a feeling of love and welcoming no matter who we are or where we go. I imagine a world where numbers don’t define us, and where everyone is free to roam without holding a mask (or several) in front of his or her face. I imagine a world where sicknesses are cured by love and the desire to live.

Jesse: My utopia is a world where the rat race no longer exists. Why is it that people find it normal to slave away all their lives for a minuscule reward in the end? Why is it that wanting to enjoy life and take breaks is frowned upon? We have followed the same pattern for centuries, but it is time for a change. Instead of one long and boring retirement at the end of our lives, why not enjoy mini-retirements throughout our lives?

Amanda: My utopia would be one with no death. I’ve dealt with so many deaths of family members in the past 4 years. Every time, I feel a little more alone, and a little more like life sucks. People always tell me that good things will happen to good people, and bad things to bad. But my grandpa, grandma and uncle were selfless people who had a hard life. Time and again I would see them in pain, and then in the end I lose them to cancer. Why? I don’t understand and I want it to stop. This is my unicorn and rainbow-like utopia.

Anjali: Everyone will keep their front doors open to let in the fresh air. There will be no harsh winters. A little snow is okay for Christmas. When it rains, the clouds shouldn’t be all gloomy, and there will be no pollution or acid rain. Everyone’s house will have a compost bin and a garden. No families will be separated because they are across the border in another country. Everyone should be able to visit other countries without visas. This can be possible if everyone has a good heart.

Daniel: Instead of going to school to pursue an opportunity to make money, everyone just goes for the sake of learning, an opportunity to be himself and pursue a higher level of thinking. All life-threatening illnesses are gone. Little things like the common cold can stay, but cancer and other serious diseases will be eradicated. Also, no more third-world countries. I want all nations to have first-world standards.

Ahmet: How would life be like if there was absolutely no war/conflict, tyranny and poverty? This is the utopian society that Karl Marx proposed, but it failed when implemented in the real world, simply because it was done through tyranny, where war and poverty existed. Communism would be an ideal world to live in, but this looks far away and almost impossible to implement.

Danielle: In utopia, everyone would feel safe at all times. No girl would have to walk alone in fear because everyone would respect each other’s space. No one would be denied anything, especially education. No child would go to bed hungry or scared.

Brendan: A utopia can come from everyone having a strong education. There are some major problems in the world, including war, disease, poverty and tyranny. If everyone has a strong educational background, all of these major problems can be eradicated. There will be more people to help cure diseases.

Michael: In utopia there is a perfect ethical code that everyone follows. If someone breaks the code, the rest of society decides his/her punishment. There are no religions, there is only science. Obviously there is no war because of the perfect ethical code and the cooperation of the society. There is no fear, greed or hate to start a war.

Hannah: I would be living in a lake house with my dogs. I would work a job I loved, and get paid well doing it. The weather would be a perfect 70-80 degrees and sunny every day, because why not? Actually, I’ll just control the weather myself.

Emily: No one grows up rich or poor, but instead everyone has the same resources and opportunity when they begin their life. Whether they decide to go to school or start a trade or whatever, that would be a direct result of their own actions and choices. No one has less opportunities than another person, and no one has unlimited wealth/opportunities to mess around with either.

Mariam: Higher education is available to everyone and not just anyone who can afford it. Everyone has protected rights and lives under democratic ideals where they are free. No evil exists. Everyone can afford clothes, food, shelter and good health care.

Sean: Everyone has only one priority: making the world better for all. Issues that would normally lead to war are now resolved through a friendly pickup baseball game.

Vicktoria: There should be basic foods available for free for those who cannot afford to eat and are begging on the street. Another necessity is for everyone to have a home. There are so many homeless people around Hoboken and even more in NYC. These people should be taken in by the state and given jobs to do that are simple in exchange for a home.

Zachary: A utopian world is impossible. The problem is, in my utopia the laws and common beliefs would be similar to ones I hold. I want people to agree with me, but I realize I am not always right and will have something to learn. Basically everyone would need to agree but also hold differing opinions, which is impossible. Another problem for me is economic equality. While I would not want anyone in poverty, I believe peoples’ decisions and actions should affect their outcomes.

Jyotsna: Creating a utopia is really a lot of hard work. You want to fix all the problems you see in the world, but you also realize that there are so many problems, you wonder if your own utopia could even handle all of the fixes. That said, in my utopia there would be no need for environmental alarm. People would respect nature. Politics would be about the betterment of people, not power or personal gain. I would be friends with Robert Redford. Also, colleges would be free, or at least cheaper.

Ryan: Some of the conflict that comes from an imperfect world makes it better. I wouldn’t want scientists, philosophers and other intellectuals to have all the answers. They should have different views, because debates are often entertaining and make life more worth living. Competition can also give meaning to life. Utopia should have a certain amount of inequality to make things interesting, but not a staggering amount to where people suffer because of it. Utopia isn’t a completely perfect world, but a world with the perfect amount of imperfection.

Further Reading :

E.O. Wilson's Thrilling Prophecy of "Paradise" on Earth

“Ecomodernists” Envision Utopia—but What about War?

My Modest Proposal for Solving the “Meaning of Life Problem ”

Meta-Post: Horgan Posts on War and Peace

Yes, Trump Is Scary, but Don't Lose Faith in Progress

Why You Should Choose Optimism

Steven Pinker, John Gray and the End of War

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Utopias & Dystopias

Eng 2000: perspectives in literature, professor belli, spring 2014.

Category Archives: My Utopia

My “utopia”.

My “utopia”, my perfect place, my “dream world” would be something not too way over the top like flying spaceships, or robots bringing me drinks. It would be a very quiet, calm, and peaceful place where I can actually hear my thoughts, and individuals are all treated fairly, and everyone isn’t afraid of sharing their opinions about life or society without getting bad looks from others. I’m not saying I’d be living in a cube or anything like that. Of course the water would be always deep blue, the weather would be not too hot but occasionally cool, the skies would always have puffy clouds and bright blue skies, and the stars would shine the most brightest at night. My “utopia” would be a place where it would be safe to walk outside in the middle of the night without having to think about something dangerous happening to you. A place where you can go to a park and hang out for several hours without having to think about a hundred different things that run through your head constantly.

What would it be like to roam around Time Square in peace & quiet?

My “utopia” is most likely a very different type of “utopia” then what I would probably read elsewhere, but I would rather have peace, a place where you can relax, be quiet, and hear your thoughts, then to think about how I would live in selfish type of manner. I think my “utopia” is this way because we live in a society today where things are very bad, the economy is down, people are getting laid off, children are being bullied through social media, and the most unimportant people in the world are getting the most attention in the news rather than the people who are out there changing the world for the better. My “utopia” would probably be a long shot from becoming reality, BUT if there’s ever a place like it, then expect me to be the first one to move out there.

My Utopia World

I dont know any Utopia stories so I will just write about my own life and how I would like it to be in a Utopia world. In my utopian world there would be no violence, such as wars and domestic violences. I would like peace within this world. No more arguments with one another because then someone might have a different opinion and want to try change my world like what Kuno wanted to do in the story The Machine Stops. I would want this world of mine to be hot all year around but not too hot passing the hundreds. The weather should be about 70-90 degrees. The two images I attached is a mixture on how I would like my Utopia world to look like because I like hot weather and city landscapes. If I could get both that would be perfect.

My utopia world will treat everyone with respect and not leave anyone out. Everyone will definitely have equal opportunity on getting a job and in this population it is not going to be over populated since there are not unlimited resources in the world. I want everyone to be working and earning for their families. In this utopia world I sure want my dream job which is to be a photographer or a graphic design so I can be happy to go to work everyday. There is no such thing as pain and suffering. I want everyone to be socially active and not shy so they can interact with each other to share love and happiness. With love and happiness the society can grow strong because of good communication skills and the wonder jobs they create and have. The education system in this utopia world will be good enough so everyone graduating college can get a job and not be out of luck. The expenses for things will not be too expensive or too cheap depending on what product because they will have money to purchase almost anything they want with the money they earn from their  jobs. This world will be no littering on the floor to keep a clean environment. Also there will be no homelessness so people wouldn’t have to ask for money cause their less fortunate. This utopia society will not have diseases for people to get sick and if that was not possible then they are going to have great doctors who know what they are doing a hundred percent at all times. The population is not too big so I will like for people to like for twice or 3 times longer in their life time than ours. My utopia world will go on for years and centuries growing and growing because of its wealth in love, resources, and good knowledge. In Utopia stories things tend to be so perfect and still have a down fall to something, so I am guessing as perfect as my world sounds, their can be a down fall to something so perfect.

—was given extension through email–

In my head, I imagine my own personal utopia as a futuristic looking big city with lots of tall buildings and huge plots of land for people to live in.

The general architectural style would be a type of modern but countryside blend. Lots of straight lines and sharp corners but using a lot of natural/ bio-degradable materials.

There would not be any form of central government/laws mainly due to everyone naturally being morally good. Everyone would be selfless to a sense in which if someone else needs help, everyone will pitch in to help them. Everyone would have the freedom to do whatever job that pleases them and currency will be more of a barter system instead of I hand you cash for food. In example, I am a carpenter in my Utopia and I need some eggs from the local farmer. The farmer’s barn door is broken and he needs a new one. So in exchange for a weeks’ worth of eggs I will build him a new door. This will prevent a lot of poverty and social issues that are current in today’s world. All of the homes would be customized to what that particular person wants in a home. Whatever goes on in your personal life will be your own business that no one else needs to know about. So simply if you do not want anyone else knowing about something you are thinking about, no one will force you to tell them and you will not be judged for not telling anyone. You can be whoever you want to be in my utopia without ever being judged for your actions. So regardless what your sexuality/religion/physical deformities are, you will never be judged for them. As far as education goes, everyone will learn the basics of reading/writing and basic mathematics. But if you have a specific trade you want to go in, you will either have to teach yourself or reach out to others in your field to learn what they know. It will also be your responsibility to teach others what you know when they come to you. You can keep some trade secrets to yourself though. Such as if your profession is to be a chef, you can keep a recipe to yourself.  This way no one gets stressed out over education and will ultimately enjoy what they are doing. Once you get into you trade, you need to work to get everything you want. If you want something new for your home or maybe something for your profession you need to either make it yourself or barter for it in some way. Things will never just be handed to you. If you want something, you have to earn it. Nothing will ever be easy in that sense. However it won’t be as difficult as it may seem. In example, if you want a new piece of furniture for your home, you will just have to do a job for the local carpenter and then you will be paid with that piece of furniture.

Utopian Dream

My perfect world, my Utopia, would for one be a peaceful place. Wars wouldn’t exist because people would be honest with each other and work together to resolve conflicts through speech and coming to understandings. Technology would continue to thrive, making things much easier for people but also encouraging people to go forth and meet with one another, have discussions, and be social without the help of technology. Society would have given up on categorizing people and all prejudice would be eliminated. Not one person would ever have to feel left out or alone, as we would all be able to get along with one another without feeling hate or any sort of malice towards one another.

I imagine the world green and sunny. The environment taken into account even with the amount of technology being used. I imagine something along the lines of The Shire from Lord of The Rings. Rich green hills, with houses built into them, sheltering people but not destroying the luscious landscapes. Warm light from the houses would cast a comforting glow across the hills at night, welcoming and inviting. Everyone would have their own little niche to call home, and none would remain homeless.

Work would be available for all, and poverty would be eliminated. Everyone would be on the same level as one another, and no one would have more. Greed would be a thing of the past, and ultimately eliminated. People would always have the urge to better themselves, and stray away from any path that would ultimately lead to crime or causing one another any pain or suffering.

I also think manners would be heavily enforced, I feel like our world right now is severely  lacking in that. I think if more people practiced manners it would lead  the world towards a more beautiful place.

I think all of this would create my Utopia. Unfortunately I do know that there is always two sides to each coin, and it never goes as planned, but this to me would be a Utopia I would love to immerse myself in.

In my ideal world, it would be warm all year round.  Not too hot and not too cold, the type of weather we call “hoodie season.”  People would strive off of peace, happiness and love.  There would be no war, it would be a complete hippy town.  The people in my utopia would still go to school and get an education, but instead of tuition being thousands of dollars, tuition would be affordable to everyone.  There would be a cure to every disease known to man, and everyone would have equal rights.  There would be more then enough time in a day for me to be able to go to school, go to work, hang out with friends, and have alone time.  There would be no poverty and no economic differences between people.  The people would not be rich, but then again the people will not have to struggle with financial issues.  There would be no murderers and people would only die from natural causes (excluding the curable diseases.)

In my ideal world, there will be tunnels connecting my house to my friends houses so therefore we would always be able to hang out whenever we want.  We would kick back and listen to the songs of The Weeknd, because his music always puts me in a euphoric mood.  I’d be able to wake up when I want to, arrive to school when I want, and also work.  I would own my own business and work for myself.

In my utopia there will be art museums on every corner and they would all be free.  Jazz music would play in the museums and the dinner would be free.  My wardrobe would be amazing because I would be able to virtually shop and my clothes would appear in front of me with the push of a button.  I would drive a nice car and not have to worry about traffic all the time, and when I feel like taking public transportation, MTA would be free.  No more monthly metro cards!  Flights to travel the world would also be free in my utopia.  I would be able to get out of bed and hop on a plane to Italy without worrying how I would pay for the ticket.  I would live in the most amazing condo that oversees the city and I would have the cutest little dog to keep me company.  I’d have a machine to do all my cooking and cleaning so all I would ever have to worry about is being happy and enjoying myself.  My utopia would be a place where everyone got a long and everyone would be happy.  They would strive off of making others happy and making the world a better place.

Here’s a link to The Weeknd’s Youtube channel if you want to check his music out (:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WP5P-ufpRfjbNrmOWwLBQ

  I couldn’t really think of a story   of a utopia to write, so I am just writing about my own   life, as my utopia . M y utopia would be a simple world. I would be working with a job that I love   doing   to support myself and my family for the rest of our lives.   I’d have a comfortable life, living in a nice house.   I would be living somewhere with a tropical climate, where there is no winter. The weather around me would be 75-80 degrees. Nice weather everyday and nothing but days laying on a beach with the sun shining down on you. There would be no such thing as rain or cold weather and there would be happiness surrounding everyone everywhere. 

In my utopia the world would be a better place. There is no violence, no crime and no pollution. All people everywhere are equal and treat each other with respect. There would be no such thing as someone living with hunger, poverty and there would be no one that is homeless. My utopia would also consist of all stray animals having a home. 

Education would be available to everyone and everyone has a fair chance of getting any type of job they would want. Nowadays college education is expensive which makes it hard for many people to attend college which stops many people from getting the educations they should have and need. I would make getting a college education more easy for the average person because everyone will have the ability to attend college. There would be no limits on what a person can do with their lives. Even if one person is not as smart or educated as someone else they will not be looked down on.  All people would be happy with their career choices, unlike modern times where many people are unhappy with their jobs. Money would not be a problem, which is a problem for millions of people across the world. Everything would be reasonable for people no matter how much money one person makes. 

There would be no such thing as sickness. All people would live long, happy and healthy lives. There would be cures for all sicknesses and diseases. There would be advances in technology and medicine everyday. People all over the world would be doing everything to better their communities, lives and make the world a better place. No war, no fights and no bad feelings towards others. People help out one another. 

I think that my view on a utopian society and world will be similar to a lot of people’s ideas too. Many people want peace, money, education, health and happiness. With these things I think that the way the world is right now if all people are working together we can achieve my ideas of what a utopia really is.  I don’t think it will be too hard to achieve this utopia because it is just a normal life with positive things around everyone.

A Perfect World

Imagine a place full of green. Where instead of buildings, trees are what soared to the sky. Mountains and hills housed humans and the concrete which grayed up our streets did not

Housing in a small mountain

exist. Everything was all natural so pollution would never risk life on earth. Transportation was normally made by foot. Horses and other animals helped with that, they would give them rides and help pull wagons or carriages for them.

Humans, they did not know greed or envy, they disliked but they did not hate, no judgement was given. Everyone was friendly they greet each other one way or another, either with a kiss, a hello, or a welcoming smile. Every village had a source of water many of them had wells but there were also lakes, waterfalls and rivers. Vendors would gather near their source of water, picture it like a farmer’s market or a fair. While going to get their water they would pick up their necessities as well. People here didn’t use money in fact they didn’t even trade. Knowing that people were happy with their produce and products the vendors were content, more happy if they were given a compliment.

Now what would this place be without a special gift? In this place humans had a special connection with animals. Ancient tribes believed that animal spirits would help as a guidance and over time the magic connection with animals grew. At the age of 8 children would go and stay with the town priest or priestess for a few day. During this time, they would meditate and find what type of animal would help them and give them guidance. When the animal was found, the spirits would surround the child and mark them with their image. This gift allowed them to speak with their animal in a meditation state or not.

With happiness people recovered quickly from sickness. They did not damn pain, they saw it as an experience, not to do a silly mistake twice or as a message, when something was wrong with their bodies. Death was seen as a celebration, to be released from one’s body and having the freedom to roam the earth and skies. When someone was release their friends and family would wear white to represent the freedom given to their relative, this was the only time one wore white and a gathering would be held by their watering hole where dancing, singing, drinking, and eating were present.

Having everything and everyone working together is what made this perfect world. Having respect and not taking advantage, sharing with everyone is what kept this world together.

No more pain and suffering

I believe at some point in time everyone tries to imagine a perfect world, with the idea of world peace being top priority. I have thought about a particular world but have never expressed my insights on it since it’s guaranteed not to occur since the world revolves around challenges (challenges people face on the daily basis).

My idea of a Utopian world is not far of from the world we live in today. I imagine a world where pain and suffering would be abolished. To wake up every morning and not worry about meaningless things such as bills, problems, money and all materialistic things. To wake up and take in the fresh air, to close your eyes and be thankful for another glorious day, to enjoy life and what it has to offer.

In my opinion, pain is an emotion that triggers your mind, heart and soul to break down and have a melt down whether it is a small or drastic melt down. In my world, this would not exist. Pain is categorized in many different levels: emotional, mental and physical. Pain can be shown by tears in someone’s eyes, the decision to self harm because of a particular pain one is experiencing, the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on and on. My Utopian world will abolish the idea of “pain,” pain in my world shows a level of defeat, the citizens of my Utopian world shall always rise no matter what obstacles they will face, what problems that my occur. By abolishing pain, it gives us all the mental, physical and emotional strength to strive and come up with solutions to move on and be strong.

With pain comes suffering. I personally believe being a witness or a victim of suffering can really deteriorate one’s life, heart and soul. Suffering is losing hope and I feel that is the worst feeling to have; knowing that there is no solution to end the suffering. In my Utopian world, there shall ALWAYS be a solution. No one shall suffer in any way, whether it is the struggle to make ends meet, a health problem and other predicaments where we experience pain and find no solution, we suffer.

My Utopian world doesn’t consist of materialistic things or live in a world that is considered “perfect.” But take a second and imagine, with the current world we live in today, imagine waking up one day and not have the slightest pain to worry about. Imagine you can live a day without you or the entire world suffering. Didn’t you notice how fresh the air really is? Now imagine, a world like this. A world without pain and suffering. People can work minimum wage, others are becoming rich by the second but at the very end everyone is doing well, not worries about money, any level of pain and suffering? A peaceful world you can say.

This is my idea of a Utopian world. Yes, there isn’t much of a difference in today’s world, but if you subtract pain and suffering from the original equation, we shall all become a powerful, strong, driven world where we all can live in peace.

Imagine it.

In my ideal world everyone would be at the same economic level. There would be healthcare for everyone. Poverty would not exist. There would be and even amount of supply and demand. Nobody would want more then they already have. Everyone would have a home designed exactly the way the want it. They’d be able to choose where in the world they want to live. Anyone who commuted a crime would be sent to prison. They would never be let out and the death sentence would not exist. Happiness would exist everywhere and everyone would be polite. Everyone would greet each other and speak to each other kindly. Being rude would not exist in this world. Everyone would go to school and school would definitely be interactive.

The education system would involve taking kids on trips to workplaces as well as to museums and different countries. There would be levels to school and once children knew what they wanted to do they would choose. They wouldn’t have to spend years learning at a school to then start their career. They would be allowed to go to this workplace and have a mentor who teaches them everything. Everyone would get together with their family every week. They would plan events together and it would be wonderful.

A person in this world would die of old age. No one would be sick or have any deathly disease. No one would be able to smoke as smoking causes disease. The people would truthfully have a decision to everything. They would decide what, when, and where they did everything. What someone wanted to do at the end of the day would be their decision and money wouldn’t be an issue. The only thing that people wouldn’t be able to choose to do is something that would harm others. No one would be discriminated against. There would a penalty against anyone who discriminates or does anything to harm someone’s self esteem. Bullying in school would not exist.

Technology in this world would be advanced. Whether people wanted to use this technology was solely up to them. Technology would be a helpful device in this world but not essential. People in this world would be able to create whatever they felt the need for both artistically and mentally. One of the things that wouldn’t exist would be cars, they would be a thing of the past. People would need to walk everywhere to enjoy nature. Everyone would also be environmentalists. They would care about nature and the planet we live on.

Animals would play a big role in this world. They would live in a vast area where each of them would have a section. Everyone would help the animals and they would go visit them. There would be no animal abuse. People would be able to have as pets the animals we have now including some others. There would be no war everyone would live in peace. All countries and nations would help each other with anything they needed. I call this My World or is it?

If I could have my own specific Utopia I imagine that the buildings and cities would all have a nice and vibrant feeling to it.  There would be no dirty or broken down buildings and the city would be clean. The different cities have different feelings to it and diversity in the buildings, culture and food. I’m pretty sure this is contradictory as everyone and everything is supposed to be equal, but I think that it shouldn’t mean making everything (especially building structures) exactly the same. Everyone is equal but there can be different variations in the feel of the cities that the people live in. This is due to the fact that everyone can be creative and the different architects that build the different cities do have different views and visions on what they want the building to look like. That the chefs in each city can make different types of food from a different city, due to having different ideas. Everyone is encouraged to think outside the box and create something that all of society can enjoy. Anyone can go anywhere to enjoy and experience the variation in the different cities, and no one is denied the right to explore the other cities. So even though there is variation, everyone is still equal because everyone can experience what each and every city has to offer.

Technology has expanded rapidly, and people use all the different types of technology on a daily basis. However, unlike in the story “The Machine Stops” people have not isolated themselves due to it. Everyone knows the consequences of becoming too dependent on technology because everyone is wise and educated. Everyone knows the consequences corruption and crime could have on the city and everyone works together as equals for the well being of the city. Being creative is encouraged as this allows for more innovation and progress for the city and its people. The people aren’t oppressed and the society works as a whole, allowing for easy communication with anyone.

Since everyone is equal no one is denied the right to education, they could be what they want, and being financially stable is experienced by everyone . Crime is non existent, and people can go anywhere at anytime without fear of other humans like in the world today. People are open to each other and know each others boundaries. There are no hidden agendas in the reasons of why people do things. Yes, everyone has their own boundaries and secrets, but there is no ill intent in their reasoning. Work hours are reasonable and everyone has a break in the middle of the day so that when they get back to work they can be just as energized as they were in the morning. No ones expenses go over the amount they make and no one has to worry about things like money or rent. This results in everyone being able to try anything they want and go anywhere they want. This is my view on Utopia even though I’m positive there are contradictory elements to it.

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Understanding Utopia: A Comprehensive Definition and Guide

What is utopia, historical overview of utopia, utopia in literature, how to identify utopian themes, utopia vs. dystopia, why does utopia matter, utopia in modern media, utopia and political theory, how to create your own utopia.

Picture this: a world where everything is perfect, where there are no worries, no struggles, and everyone lives in harmony—sounds like a dream, right? That's the magic of a utopia. This blog breaks down the definition of utopia, explores its rich history, and dives into its profound impact on literature, media, and political theory. So, whether you're a curious mind or a passionate scholar, get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of utopia.

The term "utopia"—a word that has sparked imaginations and fueled countless discussions—translates to "no place" in Greek. It's an interesting paradox, isn't it? A word that symbolizes perfection and harmony actually means 'no place'. But that's exactly what utopia is: an imagined place or state where everything is perfect. This is the simplest definition of utopia.

Let's break it down further:

• Imagined place or state: The first part of the definition of utopia highlights that a utopia is not a physical location you can pinpoint on a map. It's a concept, an idea that exists in our minds.
• Everything is perfect: The second part emphasizes the flawless nature of a utopia. It's a place where all problems are solved, where every individual is happy, and harmony prevails.

So, when you think about utopia, don't imagine a specific city or country. Instead, picture a world—your world—where everything aligns with your idea of perfection. That's your personal utopia.

But remember, like a rainbow, utopia is beautiful to behold but impossible to reach. It's this elusive quality that makes the concept of utopia so fascinating and worth exploring. So, get ready to dive deeper into the captivating world of utopia as we unravel its history, its presence in literature, and its relevance today.

The concept of a perfect society isn't a new one. In fact, it's been around for thousands of years, appearing in the works of ancient philosophers, religious texts, and historical documents. But the term "utopia" wasn't coined until 1516, when Sir Thomas More used it as the title of his book, 'Utopia'. His book described an ideal society on an imaginary island, thus giving birth to the modern definition of utopia.

Let's take a step back in time:

• Plato’s Republic: One of the earliest references to a utopian society can be found in Plato’s 'Republic', where he envisages a society governed by philosopher-kings, where justice reigns supreme.
• Sir Thomas More's Utopia: Fast-forward to the 16th century, Sir Thomas More's 'Utopia' introduced the term to the world. His utopia was a peaceful island where property was communal, and people lived in harmony.
• Utopian Socialism: During the 19th century, the idea of utopia took a political turn with the emergence of utopian socialism, which advocated for the creation of an egalitarian society.

From these historical examples, you can see that the concept of utopia is as old as civilization itself. Even though the definition of utopia has evolved over the centuries, the core idea remains the same: the pursuit of a perfect society.

Interestingly, while utopia seems like a universally desirable concept, it has often been met with skepticism and criticism. Many argue that the idea of a perfect society is not only unattainable but also somewhat dangerous. Why? Well, that's a topic for another section, my friend. For now, let's turn the page and explore utopia's role in literature.

Books have a magical way of transporting us to different worlds, don't they? Now, imagine entering a world where everything is perfect. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this is what utopian literature offers - a peek into perfect societies, where harmony, justice, and equality prevail. Let's take a quick tour through some notable examples in literature, shall we?

• 'Utopia' by Sir Thomas More: As we discussed earlier, More's 'Utopia' was the book that started it all. It described an ideal society with no private property, where people lived in harmony.
• 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry: This modern classic takes us to a world without pain, war, or fear, but at the cost of individuality and emotion. It's a gripping tale that makes you question the definition of utopia.
• 'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin: A truly unique take on utopia, this book explores the concept of an anarcho-syndicalist society on an alien planet. It's a must-read for anyone interested in utopian themes.

Utopian literature allows us to dream of a better world, but it also serves a more important purpose. It encourages us to question our own society and its flaws. By exploring the definition of utopia through different lenses, these books push us to reflect on what a perfect society truly means. Is it a world without conflict? A society where everyone is equal? Or perhaps, a place where individuality and diversity are celebrated? The answer, of course, is subjective and differs from person to person.

Now, while utopian literature paints a picture of a perfect world, it often serves as a backdrop for a darker reality. This leads us to the concept of dystopia, which is essentially the opposite of utopia. But let's save that discussion for the next section. For now, let's just bask in the warm glow of utopian dreams.

So, you've read a book, watched a movie, or even heard a song and you're wondering if it has utopian themes. How can you tell? Well, let's break it down into a few key signs to look for when identifying utopian themes.

• A Perfect Society: The most obvious sign of a utopian theme is the portrayal of a perfect society. This could mean a world without war, poverty, or injustice. If everything seems a little too perfect, you're likely dealing with a utopian theme.
• Equality and Justice: If the story revolves around a society where everyone is treated equally and justice prevails, then you're definitely in utopia territory.
• No Conflict or Suffering: In a utopia, there's usually no conflict or suffering, as these are seen as imperfections.
• Harmony with Nature: Many utopias emphasize living in harmony with nature, valuing sustainability and environmental conservation.

But remember, not everything that glitters is gold. Sometimes, a story might start out with a utopian setting, only to reveal hidden flaws or dark secrets. This is a common plot twist in many dystopian stories, where the initial definition of utopia is turned on its head. But we'll get into that more in our next section.

For now, keep these clues in mind next time you're enjoying a story. You might be surprised how often utopian themes pop up once you know what to look for. So, what's your favorite utopia?

Now that we have a clear definition of utopia and how to spot its themes, let's look at its polar opposite: dystopia. While a utopia represents an ideal society, a dystopia portrays a society filled with suffering and injustice. But what makes these two concepts so interesting is how closely they can intertwine. Let's break down the differences and similarities.

• Perfection vs. Imperfection: A utopia is, by definition, a perfect society. Everything works as it should, and people live in harmony. On the other hand, a dystopia is a society where everything has gone wrong. It's filled with corruption, oppression, and hardship.
• Freedom vs. Control: In a utopian society, people are usually free to live as they please, with no restrictions or controls. In contrast, a dystopian society is often marked by strict control and lack of personal freedoms.
• Hope vs. Despair: Utopian themes are often filled with hope and optimism for the future, while dystopian themes convey a sense of despair and pessimism.

The fascinating part is when a narrative starts as a utopia but gradually reveals dystopian elements. Often, it's a critique of the very idea of a perfect society — and a warning that what seems perfect on the surface can hide darker realities underneath. This narrative twist is a favorite among many authors and filmmakers, raising thought-provoking questions about our own society.

So, next time you're watching a movie or reading a book, see if you can identify whether it leans more towards utopia or dystopia. Is it a perfect world with dark secrets, or a troubled society with glimmers of hope?

Now that we know the definition of utopia and its counterpart, dystopia, let's address the question you might be asking: why does any of this matter? Why should we care about these imaginary societies?

Firstly, utopias serve as an ideal we can strive towards. They provide a vision of a world where everything functions perfectly, where everyone is happy, and where peace reigns. This vision can inspire us to work on improving our own society, even if we know that a true utopia is unattainable. It's like aiming for the stars — even if we miss, we might still land on the moon.

Secondly, utopias also function as a tool for critique. By showcasing a perfect society, they highlight the flaws in our own. They force us to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality, injustice, and corruption. They push us to question the status quo and inspire us to imagine a better, fairer world.

Finally, utopias offer a fascinating exploration of human nature. Can humans ever create a perfect society? Are we inherently flawed, destined to repeat our mistakes? Or can we learn, grow, and build a better world?

So, while utopias might be imaginary, their impact on our real world is significant. They inspire us, challenge us, and stimulate deep thought and debate. As you delve deeper into your journey of understanding utopias, remember that it's about more than just a definition — it's about what utopias reveal about us and the world we live in.

Now, let's turn our focus to something more familiar: modern media. How does the concept of utopia play out in the TV shows, movies, and books we consume today?

Interestingly enough, utopia isn't as common in modern media as you might think. This might be because a world without conflict doesn't make for a very engaging story. However, when utopias do appear, they often serve as a backdrop for a deeper, often darker, narrative.

Take, for example, The Hunger Games trilogy. On the surface, the Capitol appears to be a utopia: it's wealthy, technologically advanced, and its citizens live a life of luxury. However, this utopia is built on the suffering of the districts, leading to a rebellion. The utopia, it turns out, is a dystopia in disguise.

The same pattern appears in many other works of modern media. From movies like The Matrix to TV shows like The Good Place, modern storytellers love to play with the idea of a utopia that hides a darker truth.

So why is this theme so common in modern media? Well, it allows storytellers to explore complex themes like inequality, power, and human nature. It also keeps audiences on their toes, as they try to figure out what's really going on beneath the surface.

Next time you watch a movie or read a book, pay attention to how the concept of utopia is used. You might be surprised at what you find!

Ever noticed how the definition of utopia seems to change depending on who you ask? That's because utopia is not just a place—it's a concept, and like many concepts, its interpretation can vary widely. This is especially true in the field of political theory.

Political theorists often use utopias as a way to explore their ideas about the 'perfect' society. For example, Karl Marx's vision of a classless society is a kind of utopia. It's a world where everyone has what they need, and no one is exploited. This idea has been hugely influential, shaping political movements around the world.

But Marx's utopia is not the only one. Other political theorists have proposed their own versions of utopia. Some imagine a world where everyone is equal, others a world where everyone is free to do as they please. Some dream of a world without government, others of a world where the government takes care of everything.

The point is, there's no one-size-fits-all definition of utopia in political theory. The 'perfect' society depends on what you value: equality, freedom, security, and so on. And that's why the conversation about utopia is so fascinating—it's a chance for us to explore our deepest values, and to imagine how we might build a world that reflects them.

So next time you hear about a political theory, remember: it's not just about laws and policies. It's also about dreams, hopes, and the endless pursuit of utopia.

Now that we've explored the definition of utopia in different contexts, let's dive into a fun exercise: creating your own utopia. If you had the power to shape a society, what would it look like? What values would it uphold? Let's embark on this thought experiment together.

Firstly, start by brainstorming the values that matter most to you. Is it equality, freedom, sustainability, compassion, or something else? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. Just jot down whatever comes to your mind.

Next, think about the structures that would need to be in place to support these values. If you value equality, what measures would ensure that everyone gets a fair shot at success? If sustainability is your concern, how would your utopia promote eco-friendly practices?

Now, let's get creative! Visualize your utopia. What does it look like, feel like, smell like? Feel free to be as imaginative as you want. Remember, this is your utopia, and you call the shots!

Finally, consider the potential challenges your utopia might face. No society is perfect, and it's important to anticipate and plan for possible hiccups. This is not to make you feel discouraged, but rather to make your utopia resilient and adaptable.

Creating your own utopia is more than just a fun exercise. It encourages you to articulate your values, to envision a better world, and to think critically about how to achieve it. It's an exercise in hope, creativity, and problem-solving—all skills that are handy in the real world too. So, have you started imagining your utopia yet?

If you enjoyed exploring the concept of utopia and want to learn more about bringing such ideas to life, check out the workshop ' From Dream to Reality: The Magic of Concept-Art ' by Hope Christofferson. This workshop will teach you how to transform your abstract ideas and visions into tangible concept art that can inspire and captivate others.

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• Literary Terms

When & How to Write an Utopia

• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write an Utopia

How to Write an Utopia

The first step in writing a utopian story is to decide what sort of ideal you want to explore. Maybe you’re interested in environmentalism and want to work out how an environmentally conscious society might work. Or maybe you want to try your hand at designing a society without poverty. Or maybe you believe that advanced artificial intelligence will be able to solve all of humanity’s problems. Whatever ideal you choose, make sure that you’re not just ignoring its flaws. All political ideals have their drawbacks, and a utopian story needs to account for these in some way (otherwise it will start to seem like pure fantasy rather than a thoughtful exploration of an idea).

Don’t overlook the possibility of exploring an ideal you don’t agree with! Some of the best utopian literature is written in a “devil’s advocate” tone – for example, if you believe in individual freedom and limited government, try writing a utopian story about a society with a powerful centralized authority. Can you begin to see why such a society might have appealed to people throughout history? And does it help you refine your arguments in favor of your own ideals? You might end up writing a dystopia  this way, but it’s even more interesting if you can make your utopia seem genuinely believable without fully supporting its underlying principles!

When to use Utopia

Since most utopias are described in short stories, novels, or films, utopian literature is a genre of fiction . However, it also has a place in some non-fiction   essays , especially those about politics. There’s a branch of political theory, called ideal theory , that’s essentially all about theorizing what the perfect society would look like. This is just like utopian literature, except that it’s expressed through arguments and logic rather than through stories.

In making an argument about ideal theory, it may help to give your reader a quick thought experiment in the form of a short utopian story. Although it’s not written as a formal argument, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas (see  Examples of Utopia in Literature ) is widely considered to be a fairly persuasive case against the political theory known as “utilitarianism.”

List of Terms

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• Red Herring
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• Essay on Literature

Essay On Create Your Own Utopia/A Perfect World

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Literature , Education , Students , Life , Books , Happiness , City , Garden

Published: 02/18/2020

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As far back as Western thought dates, thinkers have endeavored to define, or create a framework for what they term as The Ideal Society. Such an undertaking presupposes an understanding of human nature, which endeavors to understand what brings an individual person happiness and contentment and how can a society be structured to maximize that. For me an ideal societ is one where people are free to do what they believe will bring them happiness. My name is Joyce Huang, I am the creator of the Utopia named City Garden. Garden city is a safe place with a warm climate. The mission statement of the city is “Let others be free and happy.” All of the laws are created around this premise. City Garden is located in small island that has pleasant, temperate climate with distinctive seasons is and ample sunshine has. Unpredictable natural disasters, murder, homeless, the usually stresses of modern life, do not exist in City Garden. The rules and laws of City Garden and the structure of the city’s plan are designed to maximize a person’s inner peace. The downtown is set up in the center of the island. Office buildings, hospitals, supermarkets, are built in the downtown. The city has extensive subway network in all directions. Subway stations reach nearly everywhere make it easy for people to get fro one place to another. This public transportation is free to everyone in the City Garden. Besides subway, the City Garden only allows electric car in order to reduce the air pollution. Around the downtown is uptown. “Live uptown, but work downtown” is a popular motto for many young people. Housing is assigned by the government and each family in The City Garden is given a house to live in. People can apply for larger living place if they have an additional member. Each family is require to grow a variety of plants and trees around their house, and responsible for taking care of the plants as they develop. Schools are set up in the living quarters. Education is an important priority in City Garden. Everyone must go to school until they get the high school diplomas. Then, they have the right to choose to continue education or go to work. Schools are free to residents. And school will provide all the books for students; students could take the books and study at home, but return them with no damage or cannot write on the books. Hospital and health care are also free to residents. Around the uptown are children’s playgrounds, theme parks, and entertainment businesses. People go to the parks, movies, and game centers without buying a ticket. If people show disrespect to teachers, medical workers, punish them by making them pay a fine and the City Garden would suspend their welfare if continued infractions occur. There is a road around the island, which is near the sea. While you are riding a bicycle on the road, you will see there are many smile faces in the theme parks and around the City Garden. People for their jobs do what they want to do and if they cannot decide what they want to do are assigned. By simplifying your life in this way in City Garden one can create time for your happiness and reduce the stress and chaos in your life. If you are interested in the City Garden, come join us. The City Garden is open and welcomes everyone.

Work Cited:

“Welcome to Victory City: The City of the Future” Links: www.victorycities.com

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Building Our Own Utopia Essay

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Since humanity, a perfect place has always been imagined and tried. Although there have been many places that have attempted this type of community, none have ever been close to a Utopia. Nevertheless, my group will defeat this challenge and simulate the flawless country. Echo will be like nothing ever seen before. It will be a place where people will have the freedom of a democracy, the order of a dictatorship, the understanding of a direct democracy, and the equality of communism. Arcadia will thrive with advanced understanding of science, technology, and mathematics. Countries will face us with awe and desire of our technology, and concern of the world. Our country will be the place where philosophers, scientists, and other …show more content…

At the north of the mainland, a dense tropical forest spans across nearly one hundred seventy kilometers of the island. The forest will be rich with life and vegetation only native to that environment. Bananas, cocoa beans, and coffee are only a few of the things the forest produces while monkeys, dolphins, and tropical birds will roam around the large rainforest. To the middle of the large island, a medium sized city the size of Miami will cover the west side of the middle part of the large island. This city will have rivers passing through every block similar to the canals of Venice. The coast of the city, unlike Venice will have many short beaches that are cut off by the rivers flowing into the ocean. Behind the city, a large, towering inactive volcano with the height of 3,000 meters will house the only dessert in the island. Similar to the Teide Volcano in Tenerife, the volcano will have snow at it's apex. In the east coast, next to the volcano, a small city the size of downtown Austin, Texas will be the home to many surfers looking for large open waves coming from the open Atlantic Ocean. Lastly, at the end of the large island, a gigantic, tall mountain range the height of the Rockies will be the tourist attraction for the people looking for a summer ski. Just like Valle Nevado, the peaks of the ski resorts in the mountains will not have vegetation but the lower parts of the mountains will have a dense vegetation of Alpine trees.

Between Utopias Essay

Although comparing one society to another does not require them to be different in government or human behavior, it does necessarily weight one’s faults against its victories to render it better or worse than the other. This comparative structure, found between Thomas More’s two books of Utopia, poses the country of Utopia opposite the broader communities of world civilization. Despite the comparison of Utopia as distinct from and morally better than widespread society, in truth Utopia is, at best, an extension.

Theme Of A Utopian Society

One of the major themes Mitchell plays with in his novel is the concept of a utopian society, and what it is comprised of. In each story, there is a setup for a ‘perfect’ society, but humanity, or humanity’s spirit got in the way. Each story represents how the interpretation of things can shape a society, depending on how literal they take the events. In the story “Sloosha’s Crossin’ an’ Everythin’ After”, the tales are in place to develop the role of each character. Zachry fights his inner demons, just as Truman Napes does with Old Georgie. Zachry chooses to protect and befriend Meronym, even though it goes against his initial judgement. Meronym fights for the overall good of the people just as the crow does in “Prescient yarnie”. She goes out and lives with the villagers to gather information, and saves Zachry’s sister. She is making diplomatic decisions to take on the risk of changing the course of things by helping her. The function of Zachry and Meronym are to be foils of each other, even the story is told from the biased perspective of Zachry. Meronym is focused on long term goals, and the redevelopment of society, while Zachry is very much focused on the present time, and the folklore that affects his day to day life.

Brave New World Utopian Society Essay

It is astounding how two pieces of literature can be similar but different at the same time, just by how the authors choose to use different literary devices. Two novels, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Road by Cormac McCarthy, portray these differentiated attributes because of the way the two authors vary in these literary techniques. Brave New World portrays a futuristic society in which people are artificially made and their jobs are pre-selected before they are created. All of the emotions and desires of man have been inhibited in these beings to create a so-called “utopian society” in which everyone lives and works harmoniously. The

Utopia Vision Statement

When I first began college, I knew that I wanted to major in civil engineering; However, knowing that my major would take up all of my units after finishing the general education classes, I knew that I could not afford to take any extra classes, to explore and expand my own curiosity and knowledge of what is available. Instead, I decided to invest my academic career focusing on engineering. As freshman students began college, many students asked themselves that oh so common and over beaten life question “what is the point of college?,” while others wondered if it was it a place to explore and discover more about one’s self. Well now, thanks to Kwame Anthony Appiah, who teaches philosophy at N.Y.U. and wrote an article “What Is the Point of College?,” he explains two visions which are Utility U. and Utopia U. as well as the habits students possess at the start of college. As students first enter the college world they go through what is known as, Utility and/or Utopia vision; However, one vision would be stronger than the other. A Utility vision is when you want to know if you are getting a profitable return in an investment, while the same students are also act out the role of a consumer. Utility U. possess certain requirements that need to be filled and will pay for expenses in exchange for quick responses such as the desire, to be taught. Plus the fact that, Utility U. is concerned with value, echoing the idea in the section in, Utilitarians “value proposition” (appiah

Persuasive Essay About Marco Island

One of the many reasons why Marco Island Florida is praiseworthy includes all the activities you can do there. In fact, Marco has such

My Utopian Society Essay

The Utopian land is divided into two main terrains: farmland and cities. The farmlands, of course, are where most of the country's resources are produced. The services of the economy, smithing, carpentry, clothmaking, etc., are mainly produced in the cities. Iron is the only resource which must be imported abundantly. All of the resources, except iron, that the nation requires, it produces on its own.

Utopia Of Eli Essay

In this world, it is important and necessary to create a new and more perfect society. This society is full of selfishness and conformity. Trust is broken when a society breaks down the person you are and giving the unwillingness to be yourself. It’s not only the society that is broken it is human nature. A perfect society needs to be made because there is more hate than love. There has been evilness and greed. How then can a society function? If this perfect society does not get created there will be a society that destructs itself. This society is different because everyone is free to be their own unique self. They are not being their self that the society accepts, but just being their self. There is no more conformity. There is no more

Compare And Contrast Death And Life Of Great American Cities

In our lives today, we take advantage of all the luxuries that are presented daily. Freedom alone is one of the greatest luxuries we possess as an American nation. In Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs and Utopia by Thomas Moore, we are presented two life styles, which some might consider very similar in various ways. Both authors focus on a peaceful living lifestyle, to better the people of the nation. Although some of their specific details are different, I believe that Jacobs would definitely approve of the features that More develops in Utopia.

Ideal Utopia Research Paper

There are two things that operate this world: order and production. The world runs smoothest when these two things are at their maximums. Thus, an ideal utopia would include methods to facilitate work as well as to ensure societal integrity. These goals can be reached through the adoption of artificial intelligence, the development of a fiscal-military state, and the conservation of goods, resources, and energy.

The Application of Utopia in Brave New World Essay

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such horribly bad form to go on and on like this with one man" (40).  In

Essay about Utopia

     Sir Thomas More writes, in his book Utopia, about a society that is perfect in practically ever sense. The people all work an equal amount and everything they need for survival is provided. Most importantly is that everyone living in this perfect society is happy and content with their everyday lives. In this society everybody supports everyone. The community is only as strong as its weakest link. For society to progress everyone must work together. Opponents of the Utopian system, however, feel that the strong should not have to look after the weak. Progress would be maximized if all the resources are spent on the people most qualified to help society. A Utopian society, as perfect as the one

The Impossible Utopia Essay

Firchow, Peter Edgerly. "George Orwell's Dystopias: From Animal Farm to Nineteen Eighty-Four." Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 11 Mar. 201

Utopia, by Thomas More: Your Wost Nightmare Essay

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Utopia is a brilliant novel written by Thomas More. The idea of a utopia seems impossible, how can anyone live in a perfect place when perfection is in the eyes of the beholder? The Utopia in this novel is nothing more than abundant of already established ideas therefore it can’t not truly be a Utopia.

Goals Of Utopia

Each citizen of Utopia should value total and complete equality above all else. Total and complete equality encompasses social matters and governmental matters; no individual is above another in any capacity. This also applies to dealings with the structure of government: the needs of the individual are equal to the needs of the government because the government is the people. This is achieved through the elimination of social hierarchy. Man cannot think of himself as better than his peers if they are equal parts of a whole.

Utopian Dreams Essay

Throughout the ages, man has come to idealize a word that is most commonly related to ‘heavenly’ or ‘perfect’ without actually picking up the book and realizing for themselves that there is no such thing. A Utopian society could never exist because man is made to want, to desire success. Man is competitive by nature and would never be happy in a society where everyone is equal and there is no chance of advancement. Sir Thomas More dreamt of a land that was much like England but could never surpass time. He opened the eyes of a nation and made its people desire something new. Views were significantly changed and the world would never be the same. Sir Thomas More inspired dramatic changes in religion, community life and even paved

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If one were to ask 100 different people a subjective question, one is likely to elicit 100 different answers. This shows that everyone is different and has a wide range of views. Knowing this, one can assume that each one of their views on utopia must be equally as varied. Therefore, achieving a common utopia is near impossible. A utopia is a perfect place where everyone is happy both in society and in oneself. Motivation; an element of life that gives someone the drive to achieve a certain goal. Motivation is the adrenaline rush to life without which humans cannot progress as a civilization. It allows for the betterment of society, thus gaining some common ground between people which although does not constitute a utopia, will make a majority of people happy. Achieving utopia in society is impossible, but by using utopia as a goal or as a motivation, society will grow into a happier and more utopian like place, even though it can not reach actual utopia. A society similar to a utopia is possible through America’s motivation, and due to this, we have fruitful land, both agriculturally and socially. Ignorance, the opposite of motivation, leads to a dystopia, a place or environment in which people are miserable, unhappy or uncomfortable in, instead of a utopian-like society. This shows us that ignorance will not make society happy, thus deviating from the track to societal transcendence; the metamorphosis of society into a state of well-being. Due to each person having unique wants and necessities, the scope of a utopian society, is broadened and stretched until it can no longer be perceived. This adds to the number of reasons why utopia is not possible. Motivation is quintessential to attain near utopianism; a society that takes into account everybodys general view of utopia. Without motivation, society would suffer a dystopian lifestyle.…

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My Own Utopia

If I had to design a utopia and turn it into an actual something, I would make it almost exactly like earth is now... but it would have some major adjustments. Firstly, I want to work on everyone being accepted and equal. No matter who they are. All religion would be accepted on my version of earth. There would not be any discrimination against people who are jewish or christian, or any other religion. Nobody would be allowed, would want , to judge someone negatively on what religion they practice. All sexuallities would be accepted. Everyone can be and love whoever they want to without anybody telling them they can’t. Love is love, and nobody will judge someone for who they love. Skin color will not matter either. Everyone is the same, no matter what they look like. Everyone will be accepted. Acceptance will be practiced there. No matter what religion, what gender, what race, whoever someone is. Everyone will be accepted in others eyes. Everything will be acceptance. Secondly, poverty will not exist. Everyone will have a home and nobody will be hungry, and this will not affect the ...

Comparing Ray Bradbury‟s Fahrenheit 451 and Suzanne Collin‟s The Hunger Games

it should be learnt that the search for „utopia‟ is a contemplative one, and can never be

The Hutterites Are A Utopia

Imagine a place where everything is perfect. There is a place where there is no warfare, where all. All politics, laws, customs, and traditions are respected. A place where there is sameness among all the citizens and everyone is content and happy. This place would be considered a utopia.

What Role Does Iron Play In A Utopian Society

From the American Revolution to independence movements in Latin America, the forming a commonwealth free of vice, tyranny, and inequality has always been one of man’s greatest intentions. In this commonwealth, everyone’s needs are met, society is free of all hierarchies, and everyone works for the common good. However, history has proved that this commonwealth can never truly exist. On a rudimentary level, it is impossible for any large group to properly function without someone or a group of people creating and enforcing the necessary laws and customs. On a deeper level, it seems impossible to eschew avarice, inequality, war, and many other aspects commonwealths face. Sir Thomas More, a lawyer, statesman, and philosopher imagined this perfect commonwealth and dubbed it, Utopia. In Utopia, Sir Thomas More describes a place where all citizens are content with their lives and there is no social inequality. However, readers easily notice contradictions that are present in this seemingly perfect place. In their treatment of gold and iron, slaves, and gender roles, Utopians prove to readers that a commonwealth free of hierarchies, vice, and tyranny can never truly exist.

Why Is Candide Left Eldorado Do

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Utopias Do Not Exist Research Paper

What makes a utopia? A utopia can mean a world without war and struggle, or for some people it can mean a place where everyone can be equal. The word "utopia" literally means "an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect," but it comes from the greek phrase "no place.” That being said, the definition itself shows that utopias do not exist. Humans we are imperfect; people make mistakes everyday, it is just how we learn and become better version of ourselves. It is impossible for a utopia to exist due to the instinctual tendency of human beings to cause social, religious, and political disputes.

Utopia Essay

History will repeat itself, it has time and time again. Utopia is virtually impossible by its very definition as applied to the philosophy of today. The inevitable outcome of all organized systems is thus the enslavement of the human majority and the eventual revolution of a new system.

Essay On Utopia

Since the dawn of mankind, humans have always expressed a desire to understand natural phenomenon and to answer questions regarding their way of life, their birth and what happens after death. These needs resulted in the development of a variety of philosophies and theories that can be found all around the world today. These beliefs soon became more and more superstitious. Once these beliefs became part of the social structure like castes and race, these caused a social divide - A divide that affected the economic status of the livelihood in a society. If this trend of religious discrimination around the world is observed and analysed, I felt that this question might be the key to predict how bright our future as a united utopia will prevail.

Utopia represents the notion of an ideal commonwealth, as the expression in a fable of what would at once be a standard and touchstone for social and political regulations.

... world. Everyone would live, act, and look the same in this society. I don’t agree with Plato’s or Mores theory because I don’t think a person should work and achieve a nice home and have to switch houses with someone that might not have a nice as place as what I had. I agree with Lucian because if you work harder than someone else then shouldn’t get the same amount of money as them. Whatever job they do is how much money they should get not everyone gets the same amount. People could not think for their selves because it was dictated to them. After figuring out about this society, they are not perfect. They have some good things in their society like you don’t have to pay for anything or you go to the hospital without any fees or copays. In the end, Utopia will always be a different society that everyone would want to live in but hate it when they did. (More, 2011)

Utopia America

The thought of a utopia, where everyone is exactly the same, must appeal to some in need, such as the homeless and the poor. Those people would think that their lives would be better with the transition of our society. However, this is the wrong move to make and we should stay with our current, even if flawed form of government.

My Utopian Society

The Utopian land is divided into two main terrains: farmland and cities. The farmlands, of course, are where most of the country's resources are produced. The services of the economy, smithing, carpentry, clothmaking, etc., are mainly produced in the cities. Iron is the only resource which must be imported abundantly. All of the resources, except iron, that the nation requires, it produces on its own.

The Utopian Impulse

To explore the concepts of Utopian theory, both political and social, one must first engender a concrete definition of what Utopia means. Sir Thomas More, the original creator of the term Utopia, signifies it as “no place”. However, More’s clever play on words seems ultimately to suggest that ”no place” is just no place right now. That is to say that Utopia is “an ideal place that does not exist in reality” yet (Murfin and Ray 529).

The Basis of Utopia

While the idea of the word utopia is universal, the actual stories that derive from that idea can be very different in nature. The outcome, or even the basis of the story, relies completely upon the authors, or readers view of a prefect society. This is how progress is made, through ideas and thoughts of revolutionary writers in stories we have come to call "utopian."

Utopian School

If I was able to create my own school, and was able to select every student, every staff member, all members of the faculty, class sizes, curriculum, and everything and everyone that has to do with effectively running the school, then I believe that the utopian school would consist of the following. I believe that the students that would be enrolled in the school would have to all be of the same or around the same abilities and intelligence, I believe that if students are around other students that are at about the same level, it is easier for them to learn and score better. If all the students are slow learning, then they can be taught at the same rate, and the same goes for students with higher learning abilities. The faculty would have members from different backgrounds so that the students can learn different life experiences. Curriculum would be the same throughout all grades, all first grade would be the same, and so on, all the way up until fifth. Class sizes would be smaller, so that the teachers can give more attention to every student, and every class would have kids who are all about the same intelligence and learning rates. Support staff would also be qualified to teach the children, not just assist. They would be able to assist the children just like the teachers do.

Marx Theory Of Alienation Essay

...be chaos. People would be used to a certain lifestyle and once that was taken away there would be a heightened probability that civil unrest would occur and that this unrest would lead to violence and death in those societies. Although this could be countered by the realization that perhaps mankind is being brainwashed to believe this by the State and its various institutions and media outlets. Perhaps we would all work together for change if presented with an opportunity to do so. Although ultimately I think it is an extraordinary principle in practice, I believe that it is just too Utopian to actually be practical in application. There is always the variable of the individual and history has shown us that not everyone subscribes to those ideals. Some people for lack of a better word are just evil, and no amount of camaraderie our social influence can change that.

More about My Own Utopia

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Center for Literary Publishing

Colorado review, a college of liberal arts center, a conversation with surya milner.

Surya Milner is an MFA candidate in creative nonfiction at Northwestern University’s Litowitz Program. Her work has been published in Majuscule , the Willowherb Review , Catapult , The Audacity , and High Country News .

Anna Emerson: So much of your essay “Protolith,” which will be published in our spring 2024 issue, is centered around landscape—the Absaroka Mountain Range, the encounter in Utah, Mumbai, the history of the Yellowstone River. I’m curious to know more about how you approach writing about landscape? For you, what are the key things to consider when writing about place?

Surya Milner: I think everyone’s approach to writing about place will be different and idiosyncratic and based on the way they experience landscape. In that sense, I can really only speak for my own approach to writing about place, which is that I think about place in two ways. The first is that there’s this incredibly personal connection I feel to landscape—a kind of deep reverence for it. And this reverence is sort of impossible to control and keep from coming out when writing about place. Then, once this reverence comes forth, I start to think about place more cinematically and consider the passage of geological time. So, when I’m writing about landscape I tend to approach it visually. If I took a snapshot or a postcard photo, what would this place have looked like a million years ago? Now? In my imagination? I try to imagine what those landscapes do or would look like and try to describe it as best I can.

The other thing, which I’m always actively working on, is how to integrate the social inflections of landscape into my writing—the material realities of landscape. Landscape is material, it’s tangible, and that’s what draws me to it. But it’s also what we project onto it. That’s the entire mythology of the West too.

AE: That makes so much sense. I feel like I could ask twenty different writers how they write about place and get twenty very different answers. And I think something that’s really interesting to me in what you just said is this combination of deep geologic time with the projections of the personal—where landscape seems to sit at the intersection. Which is something I also saw coming through in the research components of this essay. For me, the research threads were so vast and varied, and this piece does such a wonderful job of balancing both depth and breadth in terms of research. Not to mention, this research spans several places and decades. So, I’m curious, for you, how did you come to the research components? Was research something that came before sitting down to write the essay? After? A mix of both?  

SM: I think the research definitely drove the piece. When I started writing, I wanted to write about gold because I had these experiences in Montana and Utah and, for me, the moment I realize that a piece is worth writing, or a subject is worth investigating, is when I can see that subject existing in multiple contexts. That’s what’s interesting to me about writing—trying to examine the migration of a subject either through time or from one place to another, from India to the United States or the United States back to India. That’s what drew me to writing about gold in the first place, this recognition that this material has so many valences—social and literal currencies. I think I realized that I had these two parts to my personal life that seemed to be heavily determined by this element. In the West, there’s this history of goldmining—and the present status of mining as well. I also have a personal heritage from India, and I’ve been gifted gold my whole life. It’s a sense of familial obligation too. Whenever anyone in my family gets married, every member of the family gets a token of gold. It can be small, but it matters.   

So, I think writing about gold came about because I started to recognize gold as a character with several valences and that made me excited to research these valences. Research, for me, is a way to match your own experience of the world with whatever else you can find out there.  

I was also taking a class on Reformation England while I was writing this piece and that’s when I read Thomas More’s Utopia and was moved by it. And then that came into the piece too.  

Gold is everywhere and everything for so much of human time that this essay naturally lent itself to research.   

AE: For me as a writer, whatever I happen to be reading or interacting with at the time of writing, seems to make its way into the work in some sort of unexpected way. It’s interesting to see how many valences you can find between these seemingly external sources and what you happen to be currently investigating. Something else I was noticing and was really drawn to as I was reading “Protolith” is how the research or external components, like Utopia , seem to be intertwined with the personal. There seems to be a personal relationship between the narrator and these more external sources. And when we encounter the narrator, the narrator isn’t afraid to implicate themselves in these systems of commodification and the history of gold. So, for you, how do you approach the personal in your writing and figuring out how to name your place in these sorts of systems?  

SM: That’s a great question. I’m definitely still trying to figure out more generally how I’m locating myself in the work and how am I implicating myself. Which is, I think, a pretty critical part of nonfiction writing. To me, it’s not really worth writing about the self if you’re not going to question yourself. But it’s hard too, because at the same time, we’re all complicit in some of these larger systems and sometimes that complicity can also look like passivity. Sometimes I feel like questioning myself for being passive is not that interesting. So that’s all to say, it’s something that I think about a lot.   

In terms of the writing, I find the self to be most useful as a way to push the essay further, to a place where the research can’t quite go or a place where the questions the research is asking can best be answered.   

A large part of writing in general, and writing nonfiction, is figuring out how to integrate these seemingly disparate parts of myself. I think that the reason I’m drawn to nonfiction that blends research and the personal is because that feels accurate to my world view.  

There are so many different ways to think about the personal, but lately I’ve been thinking about the ways in which the personal lets me take an essay to an unexpected place or the next phase of the question. Then, it also allows for an emotional depth that research doesn’t always allow—especially when you’re doing geological or historical research.  

AE: I love that. Hearing you talk about this sort of constellation approach made me think about the structure of this essay and how it’s divided in parts. With your mention of phases, I’m curious if the sections of your essay are tied to this idea of the phases of going deeper?  

SM: I think the structure of the piece really reflects the way in which I wrote it and the way in which I was researching it—which doesn’t always happen. But I felt that it was important to keep the beginning and ending of the piece centered on this interaction I had with this man at the pool because it’s a classic structure of bookending but also it helped create a dreamy environment within the piece. So, it allowed me to sort of structurally dream.   

Then, I think in terms of blocking it as I did, I was thinking of each section as its own little vignette or inquiry. It was the research that spurred me to do it that way and it’s a good way to keep things really clean in a piece with a lot of movement—between continents and huge gaps of time. So, it was a good way to keep things legible.   

AE: I really appreciated what you just said about structure as a way of giving legibility to a piece—even if that’s on a pragmatic level of bookends giving footholds to the reader.   

SM: Structure torments me the most. Whenever I hear a nonfiction writer speak, I’m always most curious to hear them speak about structure. It’s the hardest thing for me to wrangle my pieces into a structure and I think content really determines structure too. Whatever the piece is about, ideally, should deeply inform the piece’s structure. For this piece, I was thinking about gold as these fragments and pieces—even if that sounds cheesy or meta. I was thinking a lot about the ways gold appears—both in the earth and then in a jewelry shop—and is extracted. It’s always in these little chunks. So, I was also thinking about that when I was writing.  

AE: I don’t think that sounds cheesy at all. I feel like that makes complete sense for this piece.  I have one last question: Do you have anything else that you’re working on or toward? What’s next for you and your writing?  

SM: I have a lot that I’m excited about, that I’m excited to write. Right now, my biggest preoccupation is finishing my first book of essays which is about the American West, race, and landscape. It kind of follows my journey, by car, once again, across the West in search of ancestral landscapes. I’m really enjoying it. So, there’s that.   

Then, I have some other essays that I’m writing that are more about my life in Chicago. I spent a lot of time, while living here during my MFA program, kind of by relief, writing about my time in Montana before the program. Now, as I prepare to leave Chicago, there are a lot of ways in which I’m noticing that being here affected me and I’m now writing about them. But that’s what I’ve got going on for me right now.  

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Guest Essay

Modi’s Temple of Lies

By Siddhartha Deb

Mr. Deb is the author of the novel “The Light at the End of the World.”

The sleepy pilgrimage city of Ayodhya in northern India was once home to a grand 16th-century mosque, until it was illegally demolished by a howling mob of Hindu militants in 1992. The site has since been reinvented as the centerpiece of the Hindu-chauvinist “ new India ” promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2020, as Covid-19 raged unchecked across the country, Mr. Modi, the leader of the Hindu right, went to Ayodhya to inaugurate construction of a three-story sandstone temple to the Hindu god Ram on the site of the former mosque. Dressed in shiny, flowing clothes and wearing a white N95 mask, he offered prayers to the Ram idol and the 88-pound silver brick being inserted as the foundation stone.

I traveled to Ayodhya a year later and watched as the temple was hurriedly being built. But it seemed to me to offer not the promise of a new India so much as the seeds of its downfall.

Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalism has fed distrust and hostility toward anything foreign, and the receptionists at my hotel were sullenly suspicious of outsiders. There was no hotel bar — a sign of Hindu virtue — and the food served was pure vegetarian, a phrase implying both Hindu caste purity and anti-Muslim prejudice.

Outside, devotional music blared on loudspeakers while bony, manure-smeared cows, protected by Hindu law, wandered waterlogged streets in the rain. The souvenir shops at the temple displayed a toxic Hindu masculinity, highlighted by garish shirts featuring images of a steroid-fed Ram, all bulging muscles and chiseled six-packs. Even Hanuman, Ram’s wise but slightly mischievous monkey companion, appeared largely in the snarling Modi-era version known as Angry Hanuman , which went viral in 2018 after Mr. Modi praised the design.

After a decade of rule by Mr. Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party, Hindu-majority India maintains the facade of a democracy and has so far avoided the overt features of a theocracy. Yet, as Ayodhya revealed, it has, for all practical purposes, become a Hindu state. Adherence to this idea is demanded from everyone, whether Hindu or not.

This is not sustainable, even if it seems likely that Mr. Modi will ride to a third victory in national parliamentary elections that begin Friday and conclude June 1. Mr. Modi’s India is marked by rampant inequality, lack of job prospects, abysmal public health and the increasing ravages of climate change. These crises cannot be addressed by turning one of the world’s most diverse countries into a claustrophobic Hindu nation.

Perhaps even the prime minister and his party can sense this. Their crackdowns on opposition political leaders, manipulation of electoral rolls and voting machines and freezing of campaign funds for opposition parties are not the actions of a confident group.

In January of this year, a wave of Hindu euphoria swept the nation as the temple I had watched being put together with cement and lies (there is no conclusive evidence supporting Hindu claims that Ram was a historical figure or that a temple to him previously stood there) was about to be inaugurated .

Newspapers devoted rapturous front pages to the coming occasion, and when I flew to my former home Kolkata on the eve of the big day, my neighbors there declared their anticipation by setting off firecrackers late into the night. The next morning, on Jan. 22, loudspeakers and television screens tracked me through the city with Sanskrit chants and images of the ceremony taking place at the temple. Mr. Modi, as usual, was at the center of every visual. Friends in Delhi and Bangalore complained about insistent neighbors and strangers knocking on their doors to share celebratory sweets. Courts, banks, schools, stock markets and other establishments in much of the country took a holiday.

The inauguration date seems to have been chosen carefully to overshadow Republic Day, on Jan. 26, which commemorates India’s adoption of its Constitution, amended in 1976 to affirm the country as a “socialist, secular, democratic” republic. Those values are fiercely in opposition to what Hindu nationalism has ushered in. The temple inauguration date, which will be celebrated annually, reduces the republic to secondary status next to Mr. Modi’s Hindu utopia.

A similar effort has been underway to diminish the importance of Aug. 15, marking Indian independence in 1947. In 2021, Mr. Modi announced that Aug. 14 would henceforth be Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, referring to the bloody division of the country into Hindu-majority India and an independent Muslim Pakistan in 1947, a murderous affair for Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike.

This was sold to the Indian public as underlining the need for unity, but it was also a reminder from Hindu nationalists that a section of Muslims broke off to form their own nation and that the loyalties of India’s remaining 200 million Muslims were suspect. Given that Hindu rightists participated in massacres, rapes and forced displacement during the partition, Mr. Modi’s weaponization of the suffering seems particularly reprehensible. I was born to a Hindu family, and my father, a refugee from the partition, never blamed Muslims his entire life.

There have been countless other such stratagems with the Hindu right in power. The old Parliament building, whose design features refer to India’s syncretic history — Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian — was replaced last year by a new structure that explicitly reduces India’s past to a monochromatic Hindu one.

In the new Parliament, the lotus flower, common in Hindu iconography and the symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party, runs amok as a motif. A statue atop the building of four back-to-back lions — India’s national symbol and a look back at its Buddhist past — has been altered so that the lions are no longer serene and meditative, as in the original, but snarling, hypermuscular Hindu beasts . Everywhere in India, roads and cities have been renamed to sever connections to centuries of Muslim history in favor of a manufactured Hindu one. On new highways through the state of Uttar Pradesh, where I traveled last summer, gleaming signboards pointed toward concocted Hindu sites but almost never toward the state’s rich repository of Muslim mosques, forts and shrines.

Knowledge and culture are being attacked along similar lines. Bollywood , Indian television and the publishing industry have become willing accomplices of Hindu chauvinists, churning out content based on Hindu mythology and revisionist history. In the news media, the few journalists and institutions unwilling to shill for the Hindu cause face legal threats and police raids .

In education, government institutions are run by ignorant functionaries of the ruling party , and from school textbooks to scientific research papers , the Hindu nationalist version of India is pushed forward, myth morphing into history. In the private universities that have begun to crop up in India, Mr. Modi’s government keeps a close eye on classes, panels or research that might be construed as criticizing his government or its idea of a Hindu India.

This cultural shift and the accompanying reduction of Muslims to alien intruders has been made possible by Mr. Modi delivering on his party’s three main promises to Hindu nationalists .

In 2019 he repealed the notional autonomy enjoyed for decades by the disputed Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir, which the Hindu right had assailed as favoritism toward Muslims and victimization of Hindus. Later that year, Mr. Modi delivered on a second promise by introducing a law that ostensibly opened a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries but whose true motive lay in that it pointedly excluded Muslims. In the northeastern state of Assam , a registration process had already been underway to disenfranchise Muslims if they could not provide elaborate documentation of their Indian citizenship. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s declared intention to establish a similar registration system nationwide hangs the threat of disenfranchisement over all of India’s Muslims.

The inauguration of the Ram temple delivered on the third and most important electoral promise. It announced, triumphantly, the climax of the battle to turn India into a Hindu nation. And yet after 10 years under Mr. Modi’s government, India is more unequal than it was under colonial British rule. In 2020 and 2021, it surpassed China as the largest source of international migrants to O.E.C.D. countries. Many of the undocumented migrants to be found pleading for entry on the U.S.-Mexico border are from India , and they include Hindus for whom India should be a utopia.

The Hindu right’s near-complete control of India may indeed deliver a third term for Mr. Modi, maybe even the absolute parliamentary majority his party wants in order to expand on the transformation it has begun.

But the truth is harder to hide than ever. Mr. Modi and his party are giving India the Hindu utopia they promised, and in the clear light of day, it amounts to little more than a shiny, garish temple that is a monument to majoritarian violence, surrounded by waterlogged streets, emaciated cattle and a people impoverished in every way.

Siddhartha Deb ( @debhartha ) is an Indian writer who lives in New York. His most recent novel is “The Light at the End of the World.” His new nonfiction book is “Twilight Prisoners: The Rise of the Hindu Right and the Fall of India.”

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An earlier version of this article misstated a detail about India’s Constitution. It described the country as a “socialist, secular, democratic” republic when it was amended in 1976, not when it was adopted in 1950.

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