Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, grappled with the concept of utopia in his works “The Republic” and “The Laws.” His ideas on the ideal society continue to influence modern thought and invite us to consider whether utopias are truly attainable. Or, if this is even something we should be attempting to achieve. Just as one man’s poison is another’s pleasure, one man’s Utopia is another’s Dystopia. Indeed, I remain fundamentally sceptical of anyone who believes in a large-scale Utopian society that can achieve its goals without trampling on fundamental freedoms or human rights.
All utopias are dystopias , the term “dystopia” was coined by fools that believed a “utopia” could be functional. Utopias and dystopias are two sides of the same coin; as beneath every façade of a utopian community , there is a dystopian undercurrent detected.
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Visions of Utopia
Plato’s vision of a utopian society, as depicted in “The Republic,” centres on the concept of philosopher-kings. In this ideal society, philosopher-kings, individuals deeply steeped in wisdom and justice, lead the state. The citizenry is meticulously organized into guardians, warriors, and producers within a structured class system. Private property is abolished, and families are managed by the state to ensure a shared sense of community. The pursuit of wisdom and virtue, under the guidance of philosopher-educators, is of primary focus.
In “The Laws” the discussion focuses on the nature of laws in a hypothetical Utopian city-state, and their ultimate purpose within society. The Athenian character in the narrative argues that the pinnacle of legislative craft is the cultivation of virtue in citizens, which is intrinsically linked to their collective happiness or eudaimonia (a positive and divine state of being that humanity can strive toward and possibly reach). This philosophical architecture aligns the citizens’ virtue with their happiness, implying that the lawgiver’s task is not merely to ensure external prosperity but to foster inner moral excellence. We have a pivotal distinction here between worldly gains, such as material wealth and health, and divine goods, where wisdom reigns supreme, followed by moderation, justice, and courage. The primary thesis is that the value of these human goods derives their value from the divine goods and are only beneficial when possessed by the virtuous.
Plato’s vision challenges contemporary thinking with its emphasis on the common good over individual interests and property rights. Though some aspects may appear impractical, they underscore the importance of wisdom and virtue in building a just society. I previously discussed the necessity for a strong moral and philosophical basis for a functioning society in Chpt 6: What Are The Civilian Applications. Indeed, the primary argument is that the ultimate happiness of the citizens in a Utopia is deeply rooted in moral philosophies, wisdom and education. From this foundation only then can material goods be appreciated and valued and beneficial to all.
Straying from the Path
Modern society grapples with its challenges. The pursuit of self-interest often takes precedence over the common good, and philosopher-kings guiding political decisions remain a distant ideal. Our leaders appear ever more shallow and inept at guiding us through modern sociological and political challenges. Nevertheless, Plato’s ideas offer a lens through which we can examine the deficiencies of our current reality. Plato’s critique of democracy, as it existed in Athens, was rooted in concerns about demagoguery, instability, and chaos. He believed that democracy could be vulnerable to manipulation by leaders who sought personal gain over the welfare of the state, shadows of which we see today (previously discussed in Chpt 12: Synchronize Your Dogmas). Indeed the occurrence of leadership that truly has the best interest of its citizens appears few and far between.
Modern democracies continue to face challenges related to populism, polarization, and a focus on short-term electoral gains, which often take precedence over the long-term well-being of society. Indeed our entire Western political system is geared to take advantage of the short-term electoral cycle to push short-term solutions over long-term planning.
The Dystopian Undercurrent
Beneath the facade of any utopian vision, a hidden, dystopian undercurrent exists. This assertion aligns with contemporary discussions about the unintended consequences of utopian ideals. As we have seen over the last 20-30 years, mostly since the events of 9/11, the “state” in broad terms has been removing privacy and rights at a record pace. To keep citizens safe, the guardian class has been corrupted with Utopian ideals of safety at all costs, even the erosion of civil liberties among its citizens.
- Surveillance State: In a connected world, concerns about mass surveillance and privacy erosion have intensified, raising questions about the balance between security and individual freedoms. Indeed the surveillance state has become one of the most intrusive and pervasive aspects of modern life, with the creation of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States during WWII and since expanded exponentially.
- Social Inequality: Economic disparities persist, with significant wealth accumulation among the privileged few, while many struggle to meet their basic needs. This is a function of the monetary system we have had in place since the formation of the US Federal Reserve and the removal of the world from the Gold Standard. The Cantillion effect allows wealth to travel and concentrate amongst the few as a new monetary supply is created.
- Loss of Individualism: The erosion of individual liberties and the prevalence of groupthink have led to concerns about conformity at the expense of personal autonomy. This also stems from the education system where true moral philosophy is absent and this leads to a Rootless generation.
While Plato’s utopia emphasized the common good, it also necessitated the surrender of individual liberties and property rights. Contemporary society, as we’ve observed, grapples with a different set of dilemmas in striking a balance between individual freedoms and collective welfare.
Contemporary Comparisons
I believe the only modern-day comparison that comes close to a Utopian vision would be the structure of an Israeli kibbutz. They share several philosophical and practical similarities. Both models strive towards an ideal social structure where community and collective good take precedence over individualism, and where members work together to achieve a harmonious and just society.
The kibbutzim practice collective ownership of property and resources, blurring the lines of individual ownership to foster communal living and mutual support. Work is assigned based on ability and the needs of the community, ensuring that every member has a role that supports the collective. There is also an emphasis on communal education and collective child-rearing practices and all members typically have a voice in communal decisions, reflecting Plato’s idea of a society governed by reason and common consent.
Despite these similarities, there are also significant differences, particularly in the underlying motivations and the extent of the community’s control over individual lives. Plato’s utopia is an expression of his philosophical ideals regarding justice and the role of individuals in society, whereas kibbutzim was often founded on socialist ideals and the Zionist movement, aiming to create a new societal model within a specific historical and cultural context.
Conclusion
The assertion that “All utopias are dystopias” reminds us to remain vigilant about the unintended consequences of utopian visions. While we may have diverged from Plato’s utopian model, his emphasis on wisdom, justice, and the common good inspires us to pursue a better society. Whilst small-scale Socialism appears to work for those living on a Kibbutz, it is a voluntary arrangement, organising an entire society around these ideals would be unworkable without state-level coercion and violence.
In the quest for a just society, education remains a cornerstone, fostering wisdom, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship and we are currently navigating the fine line between utopia and dystopia. Driven by the demented but determined.
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