Reading and Teaching the Problems of Happiness in Thomas More’s Utopia

Abstract

This paper examines the ideas of happiness in Thomas More’s Utopia with the students in class. From ancient times to the present, many thinkers have tried to answer the most basic question of human beings, what is happiness. The Renaissance, which has carried the banner of human revival and modern discovery, is enormously concerned with the issue of happiness. As the most ideal society that human beings can imagine, Utopia places great value on the pursuit of happiness. Utopians claim that true happiness lies in pleasure, which does not include all kinds of pleasures but is limited to only good and honest pleasures. During class, a discussion will be conducted concerning the relationship between happiness and pleasure, and the discrepancy between true pleasure and false pleasure. In comparing and analyzing the views of More and the students, this class explores the present meaning of More’s position on happiness and pleasure. Utopians’ pleasure can reach its pinnacle through the pursuit of virtue, and virtue is realized when it conforms to nature and obeys reason. This means that the Utopians’ pleasures exclude empty and superficial desires and contain natural, rational and holistic features. This kind of pleasure provides students with a basis for connecting good and honest pleasures to virtue. Even though virtue itself is not happiness, it directs human instinct to the pleasure of happiness, the supreme good, emphasizing the significance of life to follow the command of nature and reason correctly. Utopians’ attitude of life gives an opportunity for students to gain insight into happiness today. Students need to realize that, like Utopians, it is better to read a book and be deeply aware of cultural values than to be immersed in entertainment. In this respect, reading Utopia and thinking about happiness is a noble act and can be the beginning of an important journey of happiness.