Question

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In this excerpt from Utopia, Sir Thomas More claims that the best society is one in which all people work at useful occupations. In a well-constructed paragraph, evaluate the validity of the claim based on the strategy you have learned. Cite specific details from the text to support your ideas.

"[Y]ou will find that the number of those by whose labours mankind is supplied is much less than you perhaps imagined: then consider how few of those that work are employed in labours that are of real service, for we, who measure all things by money, give rise to many trades that are both vain and superfluous, and serve only to support riot and luxury: for if those who work were employed only in such things as the conveniences of life require, there would be such an abundance of them that the prices of them would so sink that tradesmen could not be maintained by their gains; if all those who labour about useless things were set to more profitable employments, and if all they that languish out their lives in sloth and idleness (every one of whom consumes as much as any two of the men that are at work) were forced to labour, you may easily imagine that a small proportion of time would serve for doing all that is either necessary, profitable, or pleasant to mankind, especially while pleasure is kept within its due bounds.”

Answer 1

In this excerpt from Utopia, Sir Thomas More claims that the best society is one in which all people work at useful occupations. This claim is based on the idea that useful occupations, or those that contribute to the "conveniences of life," are more valuable and necessary than "vain and superfluous" occupations, which only serve to support luxury and excess. More also argues that if everyone were employed in useful occupations, there would be an abundance of these goods and services, leading to lower prices and less reliance on tradesmen to maintain their livelihoods.

More's claim seems to be supported by the idea that a society that is productive and focused on meeting the needs of its members is more likely to thrive and be successful. By encouraging people to work at occupations that are useful and necessary, such a society could effectively meet the needs of its members and provide for their well-being.

However, it is also important to consider that different societies may have different definitions of what is considered a "useful" occupation and that not all work may be immediately practical or visible in its contributions to society. For example, work in the arts, education, or research may not directly contribute to the production of goods or services, but may still be valuable in terms of cultural enrichment, critical thinking, and innovation.

More's claim that the best society is one in which all people work at useful occupations is supported by the idea that a productive and needs-focused society is likely to thrive, but it is also important to consider the potential value of occupations that may not be immediately practical or visible in their contributions to society.