Single Idea 9311

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

There can hardly be any new utopias. To the extent that we can imagine a utopia, it must already have been realised. A utopia cannot, by definition, include boredom, but the 'utopia' we are living in is boring.

Gist of Idea

We have achieved a sort of utopia, and it is boring, so that is the end of utopias

Source

Lars Svendsen (A Philosophy of Boredom [2005], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Svendsen,Lars: 'A Philosophy of Boredom' [Reaktion Books 2005], p.137


A Reaction

Compare Idea 8989. Lots of people (including me) think that we have achieved a kind of liberal, democratic, individualistic 'utopia', but the community needs of people are not being met, so we still have a way to go.

Related Idea

Idea 8989 The benefits of social freedom outweigh the loneliness, doubt and alienation it brings [Scruton]