If one were to ask 100 different people a subjective question, it is likely that they would receive 100 different answers. This shows that individuals have varying perspectives. Recognizing this fact, it can be inferred that the views on utopia among these individuals are also diverse. As a result, achieving a shared utopia becomes extremely challenging. A utopia is an ideal realm where both societal and personal happiness prevail. Motivation plays a vital role in human existence as it provides the determination to achieve specific goals. Without motivation, humans cannot progress as a civilization; it serves as the driving force behind progress.
Although achieving a perfect utopia in society is impossible, it is important to see it as a goal or motivation for improving society and increasing people’s happiness. This may not lead to a flawless utopia, but it can help develop a society that resembles one. The drive in America has the potential to create a society that combines agricultural and social prosperity.
Ignorance opposes motivation and results in a dystopia, marked by misery, unhappiness, and discomfort. This demonstrates that ignorance hinders societal happiness and prevents the attainment of societal transcendence, the ultimate state of collective well-being. Since each individual has unique desires and needs, the idea of a flawless society becomes more elusive. Therefore, it is evident that achieving utopia is unachievable.
Motivation is crucial in achieving a society that considers everyone’s idea of utopia. If lacking motivation, society would experience a dystopian way of life. Both dreamers and visionaries possess the necessary drive for success, which we refer to as motivation. As a fundamental force behind the establishment of America, motivation is evident in numerous situations. David Brooks, a writer for the New York Times, demonstrates that America is one of the most industrious nations on Earth.
“America has some of the hardest workers, with the average American working 350 hours per year, which is nearly 10 weeks more than the average Western European” (Brooks 2004). This dedication to hard work is reflected in America’s leading position in labor productivity, as stated by Christopher Matthews (1). Over time, this hard work contributes to societal progress. The American Dream embodies the aspiration of turning nothing into a successful living.”
The idea of dispersal and exploration has been present in both recent and earlier years. An example of this is the spread of Americans throughout the country, with many being attracted to city life and settling in popular cities like Pittsburgh. However, despite this trend, there has been a decline in the population of metropolitan Pittsburgh since 1980, indicating a shift towards dispersal. This expansion can be attributed to the desire to discover and conquer new territories. After satisfying this urge, Americans have realized that they are happier living in suburbs and exurbs, as demonstrated by their increased productivity.
These families are content due to their achievements. These achievements stem from determined and resilient minds, minds that overcome difficult challenges, minds that are driven by a strong desire to make progress, minds that imagine a perfect world. However, minds that choose to disregard societal issues and remain unaware ultimately create a world that is far from ideal. Ignorance, the absence of knowledge or information, leads to a lack of problem-solving skills and those who deliberately turn a blind eye to negativity are seen as ignorant.
Lenina Crowne’s visit to a Savage Reservation in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World revealed a community of Native Americans who had not been “civilized” by the ideals of the god-like figure Henry Ford. These individuals led ordinary lives, but Lenina was repulsed by their lack of knowledge about the world prior to Ford’s influence. The community followed a factory-like approach to reproduction, with no concept of traditional parenting. Frustrated, Lenina desperately sought soma, a stress-relieving drug that helps users escape their troubles.
The irony lies in the fact that the accused savages residing on the savage reservation are not truly savage. Instead, it is the inhabitants of the World State (their own society) who consider themselves “civilized” who rely on drugs and ignorance to find happiness. As Huxley states, “A gramme is better than a damn” (89), indicating that they prefer using drugs to escape their problems rather than confronting them. This approach of hiding rather than resolving issues results in a dystopian society where ignorance is crucial. By exchanging individualism for stability, their soma-dependent community is free from any troubles.
Instead of self-understanding, the inhabitants of the World State are structured through a caste system that spans from the highest rank, Alphas, to the lowest, Epsilons. Solitude is a rare occurrence for them, but when it does happen, soma quickly fills the void with dreams and ignorance. Aldous Huxley uses satire to portray utopia as an unattainable goal, highlighting how ignorance and artificial happiness are short-lived and do not address any genuine issues. George Orwell, who was once a student of Huxley and is now a renowned writer, mentions in his book 1984 the Party’s slogan that exemplifies this notion; “…
War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength. Society in Oceania is indoctrinated to accept these paradoxical statements. Orwell exposes the danger of blind trust, asserting that ignorance contributes to a more Orwellian society than societal strength. Despite the scarcity of basic necessities like sleep, food, and creative thought, the people remain oblivious and choose to believe in their abundance.
Due to the dystopian nature of society, ignorance plays a significant role in creating such a dark place. In quoting philosopher George Santayana, David Brooks suggests that Americans tend to avoid solving problems and instead leave them behind. This implies that Americans lack knowledge of the world and are ignorant. This lack of worldly information can result in individuals withdrawing from society, which further diminishes society’s pool of ideas, knowledge, and individuals striving for near-utopian ideals.
The lack of problem solving and degradation of society can result from individuals’ unique tastes and perspectives. According to science, no two people are the same, leading to a society composed of diverse individuals with widely dispersed needs and wants. Therefore, common ground between people is limited. As stated by Brooks in 2004, “Bathroom tile is their cocaine: instead of white powder, they blow their life savings on handcrafted Italian wall covering from Waterworks.” These individuals choose to invest their money in improving their surroundings rather than wasting it on drugs like others.
The finer things, such as bathroom tiles or Italian wall covering, support the idea that everyone has their own preferences. Because everyone desires different things, each person’s ideal society is unique. Therefore, even if we were to mobilize everyone, society would only become more fragmented and divided. Where is the utopia now? While self-transcendence, the process of elevating oneself to a higher state of being, plays a significant role in creating a utopia, this society has not advanced beyond the selfish values already ingrained in its individuals.
Implementing this action into society would create a place where everyone is happy. Setting near-utopia as a common goal in society would bring people together to achieve it and create a happy place with shared values. This principle can be seen in various situations, such as war and protest. In Greensboro, North Carolina, in approximately 1939, a sit-down strike occurred where black individuals protested against racial segregation in buildings. Hundreds of other black Americans joined together to protest this injustice.
The presence of a combination of demonstrators there indicates that when people have shared objectives, support tends to increase and the likelihood of success also increases. If we collectively strive for utopia, we can come close to achieving it and establish a society that resembles a common utopia. However, attaining utopia is not feasible due to the diverse range of interests among individuals, which complicates and confuses the idea of utopia, making it more difficult to attain. Moreover, the prevalence of ignorance in society hinders efforts to address societal issues and achieve genuine happiness; instead, superficial substitutes like the drug Soma in Brave New World are relied upon.
A distinct quality possessed by Americans that could aid in the pursuit of collective happiness is their inclination to work diligently. However, if we were to embrace the concept of establishing a harmonious environment for everyone as a shared objective in our society, it would foster motivation and exert its influence. It is a natural instinct to take action when one is passionate about something. If the prospect of happiness is presented, I firmly believe that numerous individuals will be prompted to collaborate closely and strive towards this aspiration. By working alongside like-minded individuals who share the same objective, one will experience contentment.
Hungry for more happiness, society tirelessly works towards an unattainable goal, perpetuating an endless cycle. This cycle results in society continuously improving, creating a near-utopian state, unbeknownst to its members. The concept of utopia lies within the motivated crowd, but its existence fades when the crowd loses motivation. Therefore, let the idea of utopia accompany the crowd, as they strive for societal transcendence – the progression towards a shared place of happiness, not perfection. This represents the authentic utopia.
