The island of ‘Utopia’ described by Raphael Hythloday in Thomas More’s Utopia has many features that are sure to arouse incredulity in the mind of a millennial living in a democratic society. For example, despite Hythloday’s emphasis on how the magistrates and the prince are chosen by popular vote and subject to impeachment for abuse of power, it is clear that the people of Utopia live under an authoritarian regime, given how everyone is obligated to live an open life that can easily be monitored in order to ensure that he/she is being “productive.” Non-conformity is not option on this island of uniform cities. This absurd society is not possible without its geographical isolation. 

The island of Utopia was named after Utopus, the man who conquered and subjugated a small population and physically separated them from the main continent. To create Utopia, the newly subjugated citizens had to literally carve their island away from the mainland. The result was a crescent shaped island that could only approached by sea and that too, over treacherous waters that only the inhabitants knew how to navigate safely.

Hythloday finds this geographical isolation to be an excellent strategy on the part of Utopus. It aids in the defense of the island since strange or enemy ships can easily be prevented from reaching the island by manipulating the landmarks which allow safe navigation.

I found it noteworthy that this isolation seemed to be the necessary first condition before Utopia could be established. This seems to be a common theme in theories of Utopia. Perhaps the rationale would be that outside influences would corrupt the citizens leading them away from the wise rules which make their land utopian.

I do think it is possible to implement this in the 21st century, even in this age of globalization and the internet. North Korea is a clear example of an attempt by an authoritarian ruler to isolate his people from all outside influences. However, it is unclear whether a system such as this could be sustained permanently – North Korea certainly does not seem destined for sustainability.  Further, this is clearly not advisable. Restricting the exchange of goods, ideas and people between nations prevents progress in the long run. Isolation is also a precursor for the establishment tyrannical governments, thereby defeating the purpose of establishing the Utopia.

-Abhinaya