1eschator83
I plan to list brief summaries of historical Utopian ventures that are listed in my old EB. I hope others will add more to this thread, and if there are historical books on any of these I would hope separate threads could be opened for discussion.
1663- first of 138 Dutch Mennonite communities established through 1858.
1732-Ephrate Community in PA by German Pietists. Later communities were also established by George Rapp and Rappites
Amana Colonies-
Shakers- 18 villages in 8 states
Hutterites-
1841-1849- Charles Fourier established 28 colonies, perhaps best known was Brook Farm in MA.
Etienne Cabet established 4 communities.
I can't convince myself to list the Oneida Community in VT (1841-1848) as an attempt at Utopia, although EB did.
EB's article also lists Jewish Kibbutzim in Israel, which began in late 19th century.
I hope to add a thread for discussion of the primary factors that have led Utopian attempts to fail. I understand there are also many non-US efforts, and welcome others to comment on them in as much detail as you want.
1663- first of 138 Dutch Mennonite communities established through 1858.
1732-Ephrate Community in PA by German Pietists. Later communities were also established by George Rapp and Rappites
Amana Colonies-
Shakers- 18 villages in 8 states
Hutterites-
1841-1849- Charles Fourier established 28 colonies, perhaps best known was Brook Farm in MA.
Etienne Cabet established 4 communities.
I can't convince myself to list the Oneida Community in VT (1841-1848) as an attempt at Utopia, although EB did.
EB's article also lists Jewish Kibbutzim in Israel, which began in late 19th century.
I hope to add a thread for discussion of the primary factors that have led Utopian attempts to fail. I understand there are also many non-US efforts, and welcome others to comment on them in as much detail as you want.
2eschator83
My EB also says that Plato and members of his Academy in Athens extensively discussed elements of an ideal society, even though Athens had been wracked by extensive warfare. I've had his Republic and Laws books for 40 years but keep getting distracted. The term Utopia itself awaited St Thomas More in 1516, which I hope will be discussed soon.
I think the nearly constant warfare in the eras of tribes and small kingships made the concept of Utopia virtually inconceivable, but I pray others will comment whether the Academy came close.
I think the nearly constant warfare in the eras of tribes and small kingships made the concept of Utopia virtually inconceivable, but I pray others will comment whether the Academy came close.
