The Utopian Life In America

By Sharron Cantu


When individuals can live together in peace and harmony, it can be magic. In some cases, it can lead to living the utopian life so few have lived. Whether or not success can be found in utopian lifestyles often depends on those involved. One way to assure a chance at better success is to place like-minded individuals in the same general vicinity within a neighborhood.

The word, first coined by Sir Thomas More and describes a fantasy island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Intentional living communities have now taken on the name as have several communes around the world. To live a true Utopian lifestyle is to live a house of peace, love, kindness and harmony.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of communes existed all over the United States. Many on the east and west coasts housed individuals who shared chores, cooking, cleaning, gardening and worked to provide others in need. Today the focus on these intentional communities seems to be more on shared baby and pet-sitting than shared chores and food. Regardless, the other aspects of sex, drugs and rock and roll have also been removed from earlier times.

The word is of Greek origin and means "no place." An interesting meaning one considers that the meaning of the word and the old adage, "no place is perfect." Plato's Republic's paradise is most likely the earliest reference to this lifestyle in print. Some of these earliest forms placed like minded individuals within a single community so as to blend similar interest and retain a sense of peace in society.

When looking to create commune or intentional community, it is good to have as minimal a carbon footprint in the process as possible. Once the individuals are on-site, it is important to discuss the responsibilities and shared talents of the household. It is also important to pick a location that is ecologically sound and in good environmental health. Otherwise, the village may only be completed to have to be torn down and rebuilt elsewhere.

In the 19th century, several ideas arose related to the lifestyle. Social disruption believed to be created by the development of commercialism and capitalism were on the forefront. As a result, communes, garden homes, intentional communities and other shared living arrangements rose up all over the world.

At times, it can seem as though a group home or dormitory may equate to this type lifestyle. This could not be further from the truth. For, to live a this type lifestyle means to live peace, love, kindness and harmony. It is possible that in some cases a group home, or dormitory perhaps the type that is run for charity may be able to establish a similar lifestyle.

Fictionally speaking, Andromeda (1957, ) is a science fiction film that shows a fairy successful utopian society. The entire human race has to communicate with the Great Circle before taking action on a number of issues. The basic premise being that a peaceful, loving, kind and helpful community can be built and last a lifetime.




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