Sir Thomas Mores' Utopia

Courtney Moore

Mrs. Ramos

Part One

Composition II Journals

"Utopia"

Sir Thomas Mores' Utopia is a story in which the author describes, in his opinion, the model society. His main focus is to show us a world without poverty, greed, or crime. The heart of this society is based on the fact that there is no such thing as class or inequality; socially, economically, or otherwise. More tells us of a Utopian society that shares the same language, customs, institutions, and laws. He explains to us how all of these things will defer a wanton society from happening. More saw a world in shambles; Utopia was his cry for internal peace and security in a fictional society.

"The Prince"

In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a State which is drastically different from that of humanists of his time. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority determining every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy, which would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power.1 His understanding of human nature was a complete contradiction of what humanists believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an

Effectively governed principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views were derived out of concern Italy's unstable political condition.3

"The Declaration of Independence"

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed a resolution to the Continental Congress stating that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." Four days later Congress appointed a committee to draft a declaration embodying the intent of the resolution. The committee, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, pressed on Jefferson