Book 2

Ok, I just wrote down some notes. I did not touch everything because some of the details were trite and redundant.

More talks about the physical nature of Utopia, which seems somewhat bland and standard. He does note some scientific ideas to be used (such as in breeding) to help the overall utility of Utopia, but this is not his main point. He talks about the rivers, the beauty, history, etc. of Amaurot and of Utopia. Finally, he talks about the government and the people. Some notes: everyone wears the same clothes that they make, specialization in trade, it is the job of people to make sure other people are doing their jobs, people only work six hours a day, women are kept generally idle, people are 'voted' to stop working, and unnecessary labor is never done.

'Of Their Traffic'
Families have quotas and limits as to the number per household. The oldest man in each family is the governor of that family. Slaves are forced to do the dirty work for the Utopians who are too good for that sort of work. Medicine is distributed in a hierarchy, from hospitals, to government officials, then finally to families. The best of food and provisions is given to the elders. Everything seems to be determined by age. Food is always served with music (awesome).

'Of the Traveling of the Utopians'
Travel is socialized. Passports are administered. AWOL results in harsh punishment. No alcohol houses. They use 1/7 of exported surplus to poor people in foreign countries. Bonds are used to fund major expenses. Mercenaries are used in extreme events. No use of money. Iron has more value than gold or silver. Gold and silver are used in odd instances, while iron, earth, clay, etc. are used in more useful areas. Funny thing: they make fun of foreigners who wear traditional jewelry. Science, philosophy, and religion are practiced. Two factions debate over how virtue and happiness interact. Wisdom = man to pursue personal pleasures as far as law allows, while piety = man to pursue societal pleasures over private pleasures. Utopians believe that nothing within them is pleasant. Health = greatest bodily pleasure. They are constantly pursuing knowledge.

Some points that I disagree with: the state should not describe almost every detail which a person should do and live by. Examples: clothes, housing requirements, job duties, disassociation of wealth, precise traveler permits, among others. Perhaps one major downfall is the motivation of people. In this state, virtue, knowledge, and utility are sought after traits. Although well meant on paper, not practical in a real world situation. Extrinsic motivation, not intrinsic motivation is needed for people to actually do things. The 500 people are exempt from working serve as the primary motivation for Utopians. People need an array of things: convertibles, Las Vegas, ball games, beer, midlife crises, and money. Some of the insights More gives might help some of the utility of the state, but would critically go against the foundations of a laissez faire society.