Thomas More had an abundance of revolutionary ideas for his time, many of which he penned down in his famous work Utopia. More’s greatest focus in this short book is placed on exploring the possibilities and benefits of a new kind of government. His views on such things as freedom, community, and the innate nature of man were all considered when creating what More views as the epitome of a successful government. It is baffling to realize that, using these same principles of freedom, community, and the innate nature of man, another author could come to a conclusion in direct opposition with More’s outcome. Nevertheless, this is exactly what occurred when Thomas Paine, a political writer during the American Revolution, examined what his utopian society would look like. While More was led to the conclusion that a more totalitarian government would be most beneficial to society, Paine declares that all …show more content…
Though they began with similar principles, each man arrived at drastically different solutions for what could be deemed a successful and prosperous government. Observing the innate nature of man, both More and Paine agree that mankind is prone to wickedness and ought to be kept in check. This they propose to accomplish by creating a community in which men could live peaceably with, and benefit from, one another. Where More and Paine do not agree, however, is on the limitations that a government should be able to impose upon its people. More finds that creating strict regulations and limiting men’s freedom will result in a happy and successful society. Paine opposes this theory, suggesting that limitations ought to be placed on the government before they are imposed on the people. Thus, though they agree on the nature of man and the necessity of community, More and Paine would be hard-pressed to find common ground on the issue of