I have a confession to make. I’m anything but a voracious reader. That’s particularly true where the “classics” are concerned.

As such, I cop to never having read Thomas Moore’s. “Utopia.” I’ll say further, the chances are I never will read it.

Though that’s true, I find it more than a little funny that people use the titular word (apparently coined by Moore) to mean something along the lines of “an ideal place.”

To begin with, unlike what so many seem to believe, the word is not “Eutopia” (a good place), but—as the title of this article indicates—“Utopia” (nowhere).

That said, here’s the thing. Besides that Mr Moore was speaking of a non-existent place (which I believe he asserted could not exist), he was also talking as a “humanist.”

“So what?” You may be asking.

Allow me to explain. One of the worst things to ever happen in the ancient or modern World of men and beasts, is humanism.

The essential assumption of humanism is (whether you think so or not), there is no need or use for any higher being.

In fact, I would expect most humanists to consider the existence of a higher being (most particularly a “god”) to be more harmful than helpful.

For those of us of the Christian faith, this is obviously far worse than problematic.

Not only do we believe in higher order beings (most important among them, God in His various forms), but we believe man to be so imperfect that without God, we would be completely doomed.

You can make the argument that you’re a Christian but don’t believe what I’ve said. Suffice to say, we strongly disagree (and I believe you’re in conflict with the majority of believers).

This makes Thomas Moore’s ideas of Utopia more than untenable. They have only negative connotations in my way of thinking.

I get it, language is dynamic. That said, the very idea of a “perfect place on Earth,” ought be repugnant to anyone claiming Christ.

In my view—and again, I assume that of many Christians (and maybe folks who’re not even believers)—this ball of dirt was never intended to lead to perfection.

Rather, our home among the stars and other cosmic specks, was designed to show us that we can never be perfect on this plain.

Am I saying we should not seek perfection? Should we therefore act in untoward or otherwise improper ways? Not at all!

For without seeking the best we can accomplish, we will never come to understand the impossibility of attaining perfection on this mortal coil.

Furthermore, considering our inability to master the World, achieving perfection in the process, it’s all the more imperative that we seek to make things the best they can be.

Imagine knowing you’ll never have a perfect lawn, and saying as a result you should cease caring for your yard.

The same applies to pretty much everything one does in life.

That you cannot accomplish everything you wish to, doesn’t mean you should stop trying to manifest all you’re able to bring to pass.

The point of this piece may not be clear to you.

Allow me to attempt to elucidate.

I would that those speaking of Utopia would stop doing so in the commonly accepted context.

My reason is simple. The idea of Utopia is nonsense, based on the ramblings (however prettily worded) of a madman. And even he seems to have realized the absurdity of what he was positing.

Even if that’s not true; even if we assume he actually believed the horse manure he was shoveling, his ideas were based on a worldview that’s badly broken.

Ignoring all of my issues with Mr Moore’s work and person though, a “Utopian society” is by its very nature, impossible.

If you believe that’s true, why do you then insist on modeling anything using such an idea?

Though I think I’ve made myself pretty clear, I want to say it in the most straightforward way. Stop using the term or idea “Utopia” in any but a derisive way.

The idea you’re able (and possibly willing) to ignore my admonition should be patently obvious.

If you choose so to do, my simple question for you is, “Why?”

What do you get out of discussing such a ridiculous thing?

I’m by no means seeking to stop folks from discussing ideas that will lead to a more tolerable (or even more perfect) environment.

I am working to ditch the foolishness of managing to get to a “perfect World.”

To put it simply no sensible person speaks of the ability to jump to the Moon and there survive with no external aid.

That doesn’t mean that same person doesn’t seek to achieve a greater vertical leap than he or she may currently manage—nor to reach the Moon and there survive.

It doesn’t even preclude the idea of breaking the standing World vertical jump record in the attempt.

If you’re willing to accept that managing a higher jump than anyone else has ever done is all that’s needed to live in perfection, I can’t help you to understand my protestations.

Rest assured, I am no such person.

Am I saying there’s no plain upon which I anticipate perfection? Not at all!

I’m simply trying to make it clear, the current environment isn’t one in which it’s possible.

So if after reading what I’ve said, you decide you still seek to achieve Utopia, I guess I’ve failed to bring you to a place of understanding and acceptance.

For my part, the matter is a simple one.

I do not speak of Utopia (except to deride that very bad and broken concept), for I don’t believe people even understand the term.

Even if one chooses to redefine it, I count the common restatement to be every bit as bad as the original one.

If you disagree with me, I’d love to hear your reasoning. Bear in mind that the chance you’ll change my mind decreases by the day. After all, I’m no longer a youngster; as such, I’ve had a fairly long time to consider what I’m saying.

As usual, here’s hoping things are going well for your and yours. If not I pray they improve in the course of not-too-distant time.