Coined by Sir Thomas More, the word, "utopia," literally means, "good place." In his book, "Utopia," More portrays utopia as a fictional ideal island society. Its meaning implies a society consisting of perfect qualities, but what does a perfect society really mean? Does it possess all the money in the world? Is it the most dominant force in the world? Does this, "perfect," society provide unlimited resources to its people? There is not a definite right answer to this question, because we all have our own meaning of the word, "perfect," and different visions of what a perfect society looks like. I am a firm believer in the idea that an ideal society is characterized by three elements: equality, happiness, and selflessness.
Equality means that special privileges of all kinds should be eliminated. All barriers of wealth, gender, social class, birth, faith, and ethnicity should be removed, so that no one suffers from any kind of social disability. Equality involves absence of discrimination against any individual, or group. More indicates equality in Utopia when he says, "The magistrates let [the townspeople] know how many hands they will need for reaping the harvest" (More). They each had to participate because no one is above anyone else. The principle of equality means that whatever conditions are guaranteed to me, shall also be guaranteed to others in the same measure. The same goes for rights, and adequate opportunities for all. What I mean by adequate opportunities, is that the government should provide suitable opportunities for all citizens, without any discrimination. No one should be prohibited from the realization of the ambition of their life, if they possess the necessary skill. Equality is fulfilled when the government offers due opportunities to all, for developing their abilities to their full potential.
In order for a society to prosper, people must also display a sense of selflessness.
