The Iliad/Utopia Essay

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Natasha Roberts Dr. John A. Dern Mosaic: Humanities Seminar 852 April 10, 2012 War is a very subjective topic, in which one creates opinions based on many different matters. Two texts that were read in the “Power” and “Money” units are examples of this statement. The views on war in Utopia by Thomas More, and Homer’s The Iliad conflict each other. Utopians are a very caring set of people who focus on community, and benefiting society. Their views of war are based on how the war will affect their community. On the other hand, in The Iliad, the Greeks will fight for any reason, not paying attention to how it effects their community. In Utopia by Thomas More, the Utopians focus on giving back to, or benefiting society in some way. The Polyterites are a good example of this. These people were previously thieves, and their punishment was to do public works. Eventually, they could own their freedom, but they had to work towards giving back to their community. This is the same way that the Utopians viewed war. They would only go to war to benefit their society. In Utopia, there was no room for individual pride. They believed that there was nothing more inglorious than glory won in warfare. War was not meant to make oneself celebrated. Utopians were reluctant to go to war. They would go to war for reasons of unused land. Since they valued utility, they believed that if there is land, it should be used. Trade was very precious to the Utopians. Therefore, if their friend’s merchants were unjustly accused of something, the Utopians would engage in war. Fighting for their own issues isn’t necessary for Utopians because they don’t really mind. It is better to conquer the enemy by skill and cunning than through violent warlike means. The Utopians also never went to war themselves. They paid the Zapolites to be mercenaries. The Utopians enlisted these mercenaries in
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