The MSW Book Recommendation #42 ; 'The Utopian-Context'

; "[Genoese Sea-captain] ...They always change their food. First they eat flesh, then fish, then afterward they go back to flesh, and their nature is never incommoded or weakened. [...] The length of their lives is generally over 100 years (, often they reach 140), but only few reach 200. 

[...] Among them is never gout in the hands or feet, not catarrh, nor sciatica, nor grievous colics, nor flatulency, nor hard breathing. For these diseases are cause by indigestion and flatulency, and by frugality and exercise they remove every humor and spasm. Therefore it is unseemly in the extreme to be seen vomiting or spitting, since they say that this is a sign either of little exercise, or of ignoble sloth, or of drunkenness, or gluttony. They suffer rather frm swellings or from the dry spasm, which they relieve with milk-food, and with a pleasant habitation in the country and by gradualexercise. Unclean diseases cannot be prevalent with them beacuse they often clean their bodies by bathing in wine, and soothe them with aromatic oil, and by the sweat of exercise they diffuse the poisonous vapor which corrupts the blood and the marrow. They do suffer a little from consumption, because they cannot perspire at the breast, but they never have asthma, for the humid nature of which a heavy man is required. They cure hot fevers with cold potations of water, but slight ones with sweet smells, with cheese-bread or sleep, with music and dancing. Tertiary fevers are cured by bleeding, by rhubarb, or by a similar drawing remedy, or by water soaked in the roots of plants, with purgative and sharp-tasting qualities. But it is rarely that they take purgative medicines. Fevers occurring every fourth day are cured easily by suddenly startling the unprepared patients, and by means of herbs producing effects opposite to the humors of this fever. All these secrets they told me in opposition ot heir wishes. They take more diligent pains to cure the lasting fevers, which they fear more, and they strive to counteract these by the observation of stars and of plants, and by prayers to God. Fevers recurring every fifth, sixth, eight or more days, you never find whenever heavy humors are wanting.

They use baths, and moreover they have warm ones according to the Roman custom, and they make use also of olive oil. They have found out, too, a great many secret cures for the preservation of cleanliness and health. And in other ways they labor to cure the epilepsy, with which they are often troubled. 

 [Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaliers]: A sign from this disease is of wonderful cleverness, for from it Hercules, Scotus, Socrates, Callimachus, and Mahomet have suffered." 

; ...from Campanella's 'The city of the Sun'. A poetical dialogue. (Orig. 'Città del Sole') ; ...quote via from Gutenberg - 'supposingly, that this (version) appears represent generally quite rough translation...

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; ”...there before me, ever bending forward, sat that wonderful woman of stone, the moonlight streaming full on her pale, wistful face and silvery hair.

'Tell me, Yoletta, who is this?" I whispered. "Is it a statue of some one who lived in this house?'

'Yes; you can read about her in the history of the house, and in this inscription on the stone. She was a mother, and her name was Isarte.'

'But why has she that strange, haunting expression on her face? Was she unhappy?'

'Oh, can you not see that she was unhappy! She endured many sorrows, and the crowning calamity of her life was the loss of seven loved sons. They were away in the mountains together, and did not return when expected: for many years she waited for tidings of them. It was conjectured that a great rock had fallen on and crushed them beneath it. Grief for her lost children made her hair white, and gave that expression to her face.'

'And when did this happen?'

'Over two thousand years ago.'

'Oh, then it is a very old family tradition. But the statue—when was that made and placed

here?'

'She had it made and placed here herself. It was her wish that the grief she endured should be remembered in the house for all time, for no one had ever suffered like her; and the inscription, which she caused to be put on the stone, says that if there shall ever come to a mother in the house a sorrow exceeding hers, the statue shall be removed from its place and destroyed, and the fragments buried in the earth with all forgotten things, and the name of Isarte forgotten in the house.'

It oppressed my mind to think of so long a period of time during which that unutterably sad face had gazed down on so many generations of the living. 'It is most strange!' I murmured.

'But do you think it right, Yoletta, that the grief of one person should be perpetuated like that in the house; for who can look on this face without pain, even when it is remembered that the sorrow it expresses ended so many centuries ago?'

'But she was a mother, Smith, do you not understand? It would not be right for us to wish to have our griefs remembered for ever, to cause sorrow to those who succeed us; but a mother is different: her wishes are sacred, and what she wills is right.'”

; of A Crystal Age (chpt 13), ...An utopian-novel by Henry William Hudson

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; ”They say that to see dreams was a common normal thing with the ancients. Yes, after all, their life was a whirling carousel: green, orange, Buddha, sap. But we, people of today, we know all too well that dreaming is a serious mental disease.” ; ...of Zamjatin's We (chpt 7, p. 31.)

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; Erewhon [æ ' rowon] , n. the imaginary country of Samuel Butler's satirical utopia in Erewhon (1872) and Erewhon Revisited (1901) [NOWHERE spelt backwards, modified] ; Cassell's Concise English Dictionary (ed. 1894-1995)

[Recommendation V / 2014] 
; ...Series of view-points on Commonwealth - pt I.

[- On the right : Book cover of Zamjatin's We, pocket ed.]

We  
Novel by Jevgeny Zamjatin 
(218 p., Dutton and Co 1960 ; ...Orig. published 1924, on english) .

One by One. ; (Probably,) nowadays not possible to discuss the Utopian novels, unless also referring to the (so called) dystopias. (Latter, meaning their negative opposite, usually considered not written prior the begins of 20^th century, and often noted from the disillusionment anf non-optimism views on modern society, or from it's assumed expected developments. Yet, also dystopias often situate for an utopian context, ie on some far-away places, in the distant futures. (Or occasionally, and, similarly than the utopian texts – on adjacent planets, ao.) So on this case, I only notice I possibly wouldn't have selected a 20^th centurian novel (published on 1920s), unless it wouldn't be so that this particular book provides an important link btw the mentioned (slight) different 'forms' on the utopias /utopian-writing.

Usually the (so called) dystopias are considered have become more usual the along w./about simultaneusly for the Wells's (Herbert George, 1866-1946) 'inaugurated' literary form, namely science-fiction. And it's also proper reminder that when we consider the 'forefathers' for the (modern) utopian novels/dystopias, Wells actually is at least as much important than, fx, Zamjatin (,Yevgeni, 1889-1937). Along w. his many novels, Wells fx wrote number of texts where he tried formulate some 'socio-futuristic' views about expectable development on the 1900s (,...or smtgh similar). Quite nicely, therefore, at begins we can quote few words of A Modern Utopia (1905), novel often considered first among Well's many later experiments from utopist social-futurisms. (Books some joint effort of the essayist text and a novel. Paragraphs discuss esp from difference btw old and modern type utopias);

”The Utopia of a modern dreamer must needs differ in one fundamental aspect from the Nowheres and Utopias men planned before Darwin quickered the thought of the world. Those were all perfect and static States, a balance of happiness won for ever against the forces of unrest and disorder that inhere in things. One beheld a healthy and simple generation enjoying the fruits of the earth in an atmosphere of virtue and happiness, to be followed by other virtuous, happy and entirely similar generations, until the Gods grew weary. Change and development were dammed back by invisible dams for ever. But the Modern Utopia must be not static but kinetic, must shape not as permanent state but as hopeful stage, leading to a long ascent of stages. Nowadays we do not resist and overcome that great stream of things, but rather float upon it.

[…] Our business here is to be Utopian, to make vivid and credible, if we can, first this facet then that, of an imaginary whole and happy world. Our deliberate intention is to be not, indeed, impossible, but most distinctly impracticable, by every scale that reaches only between to-day and to-morrow. ...” (A Modern Utopia; Chapter The First)

...So, apparently Wells had in mind to create smtgh rather more futuristic and 'active' than what (was) the old 'norm', but also he aimed for some reinvention from of the old utopian ideas. B-t-w, we can also mention that Wells, fx, on these utopian 'sketches' pays attention on the technological improvement that already had had great effect on peoples lives. I-o-w, he believes the utopian writing should necessary follow the changes having taken place during some half the centurys time (ie, during Well's own life-ages prior that), which, of course at the time must have seemed quite necessary and unavoidable. Fx, acc. Wells, also 'Continual bodily labour was a condition of social existence. It is only with the coming of coal burning, of abundant iron and steel, and of scientific knowledge that this condition has been changed.'. And also – often later read for somewhat prophetically said – (Wells formulations) contain sentence; 'There appears no limit to the invasion of life by the machine.'^(x1) ; ...We need not devote all our time for Wells's views about modern utopias/dystopias...but later shall return to some from his other novels. As An additional aspect to mention, in the common language the word for utopian (or, utopic) usually considered as the synonym for escapism^(x2) - But in fact the word utopia has less dubious and more 'honorable' origins (Of which some are traced in the following, ao other aspects discussed.)

NOTES:

x1 : ...(Meaning by that the modern development, because on the former utopian novels, the manual labour usually was considered as stable and unchangeable 'limit' at the utopist imaginations.). Also Wells writes on that: 'Plato clearly had no ideas of machines at all as a force affecting a social organization.' (Plato's State a major influentiel source to number from early utopian efforts). ; ...Interestingly, on a footnote of Well's text we also learn from an antique 'Lost Utopia', by Hippodamus (Hippodamus of Miletus, ca. 498-408 BC) which (acc. Wells) provided 'rewards for inventors ...though the inventions comtemplated were political devices.'. ...It is prossibly rather uncertain what kind of 'utopia' was meant by that, if anything like the usual view from utopia at all, for Hippodamus seems noted been sort of architect or some forerunner of the urban city-planning.(Which always quite important aspect on utopian imaginations...but this goes quite far from the actual topic, so placed on this note...)

x2 : Escapism ; (from escape), - 'n. (Psych.) shirking unpleasant facts and realities by filling the mind with pleasing irrelevancies. ,...escapistic, n., a.' ; ...Differing from that the explanation for Utopia read followingly: 'n., a place or state of ideal perfection, a book describing such.' ; Cassell's.

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One That got Away. ; ...Further then, appears that Zamjatin (...who actually greatly admired Wells's, he fx wrote an essay where he tries traces the roots for Wells's 'sociofantastic' novels), also in turn did greatly influence later writers, such as Aldous Huxley (...among other examples about imagined totalitaristic societies, such as G. Orwell's 1984). ; ...I have choice from whether the following should mostly discuss the Zamjatin's book, or instead would it merely consist of the earlier classics from utopian writings. I decided to call that even - and therefore only few words on Zamjatin, most of the rest consisting of references about various other books on utopic literature(s). (Ie, the novels and other texts written on 'genre', that Wells so enthusiastically adressed for to reinvent some modern alternative forms.)

The term ('Utopia') is known to originate from Thomas More's (1478-1535) book by the same name, perhaps the most renown old 'classic' utopia(n text). ...For example fx Bacon (Francis, 1561-1626) and Tommaso Campanella (1568-1639), (more detaily described in the following paragraphs), were both, somewhat lot, inspired of More's effort. (Bacon even makes a reference for More at his story.) ; Of the term (utopia), seems it said derived from the (latin) words topos ('place') and ou ('non-existant', nowhere) - In short: ou-topos (nowhere place)...equals for Utopia. (Like many renaissance scholar's More wrote on latin.) Seems it also noted that the word itself is not latin by origin, but was invented by More himself for the book.

; Of the modern readers view-point, More might also be held responsible for setting that rather pathetic form on utopian writings, and most early efforts (of the 'genre') seem have followed that (Also noticeable from fx Bacon and Campanella)...but guess it also tells that even the imaginous non-existent (/nowhere lands) had to be rather detaily and meticuously described to make the idea acceptable and understandable for the medieval mind. I-o-w; the fiction writing - from it's modern form – possibly wasn't quite existent at the time these above referred utopian examples were written. (Yet, fx one can consider the emergent late medieval humanistic curiosity on it's early stage from following statement (I suppose it also originates from More's Utopia); 'All things appear incredible to us, as they differ more or less from our own manners.' )

(Like said) to the early utopias written, usually considered are, ao, the above cited Campanella's Città del Sole (written on early 1600s) and Bacon's The New Atlantis (p. around 1620s). (Both also nearly so renown in the pasts, if not quite similarly today, perhaps) ; ...The utopias always were quite popular readings in the past history, but we can also notice that circumstances not necessary turned for very fruitful for their writers. Each of the mentioned (authors) were, at their own times better known of their other merits than from texts about these distant imaginary places (...etc.) Anyhow, More's life ended for beheading (apparently, from claims of the politically unreliability,...or smtgh) ; Bacon had a very succesfull career (w. occasional pitfalls though), in spite of the common intrigue and unstable conditions of the court (during his life-ages, before the Cromwellian-era). But also his services for the 'state' ended to his final exclusion from the public official appointments/posts post since 1621.

; Of Campanella we find worth noting his 'career' actually advanced rather differently. First been condemned to imprisonement for years^(x1), he was finally released only at his later years - Whenafter his writings also seem have received exemption from ban of publication (by inquisition.) ...At the time any opinions differing to the 'official' religious view – or even only a rumours about some hereyisms – were sufficient reasons from to be locked 'behind bars'. Also, Campanella seems gained some unfavorable recognition of due his plans (...or smtgh) about a socially organised 'sect' wheres fx would've been maintained common property...along his other quite 'liberal' views, some concerning the matrimony, ao, etc. (Campanella also was fx accused from urging to rebellion and from announcing from the arrival of 'end-of-times-as-we-know-it', postward 1600. ; I-O-W, like many, he strongly believed the apocalyptic times to begin from the y. 1600. ...Clearly he seems have recognized his times to some era of the great changes - And it was indeed: Closely that years there were fx the wider acknowledging of the Copernican system^(x2), other new inventions like early telescopes soon to appear, and as well other new astronomic advancements, etc, ao...) ; Unlike some other famous contemporary 'heretics', however, Campanella doesn't (likely) seem to have questioned the papal authority, in principle, and he probably also was consent to not disagree on the divine origin of the monarchism. (Fx, seems he believed to a proper christian authority, or had a calling pro 'justification', over the rule of chruch over the inhabitants on conquered colonies, ...or, smtgh quite close to that. It's of course quite likely that he wouldn't been even allowed express any too direct critique of those things, while imprisoned.) The telesian-views (first formulated by the early scientist/philosopher Bernardo Telesio, 1509-88 - that referred Univ. site (Stanford) about philosophers also seems contain quite large bio on Campanella.), held by Campanella are noted also to some main reasons from his persecution by the church, on ca early from 1600s.

(; Btw, peoples and society on his 'imagined' City of the Sun (ie that utopian-text) also bear some reminisciences from the Incas...esp. considering the described centrality of the sun at their religious beliefs. ...So, on this respect one might wonder if Campanella had read the (relative) recent appeared text about the formerly existed Inca-states by Garcilaso de la Vega. This popularized (,and apparently rather heavily admiring) 'version' on the actual histories, known w. the name Los Comentarios Reales, que tratan del origin de las Incas, was published on 1609. (However, during his times of imprisonement, Campanella seems assumed to have written earliest version of his utopian text already 1602. However, at least latin version of Citta del Sole seems appeared only ca 1620s...no doubt, much because from Campanella's imprisonment/ban on his writings.) ...Anyhow - and, if that year correct, for Vega's text, for it appears surprisingly late by year of publication – we are (perhaps) at least allowed from speculate whether it might've directly/non-directly had quite much influence on Campanella's utopia. (In that case one might also wonder whether Campanella therefore, wasn't too stricktly denied from any contact during his imprisonement, possibly. By himself he hadn't actually visited the New World^(x3), and seems that as some main sources of his 'effort' are usually considered the italian contemporary texts about ideal towns-planning, ao.) Later on/soon after that de la Vega's 'history' anyhow became more widely read during the 1600s.

; And, also interesting to notice, that the social organization/order imagined by Bacon (statesman/philosopher), on his ideal state, seems from 'manifest' (rather much/mainly) the Judeo-Christian beliefs and value-system...while Campanella's (monk/theologian) utopia shows merely of the greco-paganian 'elements'...perhaps. (Seems that of the main part, from antique philosophers, Campanella generally accepted the views held by Plato, but not those of Aristotle. (...or, equally much objected via that the canonized and unconditional interpretation of the antique authorities on his times.) Generally we can say of these 1600s thinkers that them yet seem represent quite conventional patriarchaist value-system on most aspects...if observed, stricktly, from any modern view-point.

; But why dwell so much these old stories (...only rather secondary of importance considering that it's merely the modern utopian-novels and -context we're here interested.) More strickly, what we might learn of the preceding ?

...At least makes some sense to me from the view-point, that often men - Unfortunately on these distant pasts no women writers for utopias existed/published, or at least I'm not aware ofrom any - who wrote some political utopias, seem been often suspected to (for more or less) dangerous to those in power. (Due because of their religious-views, other liberal opinions, or, from whatever aspects.) ...Even if (their) utopian-text hadn't much, or, anything at all to do w. that.

Conclusively, the utopian-writing itself seem serve for (/often considered) to some sign of serious questioning of the prevailing conditions on society (/social order), and, no wonder then has often flourished during some restless periods. ...Fx, on times like the birth of the modern republics (at 1600s), the Great revolution (...before/after 1797), the birth of Socialism (around 1840s-), and post both 1900's Worlds Wars – Brings us then for the, so called, dystopias – and I think the term many ways inadequote or poorly defined. Better would be similarly negative oppositional reflection, but some that'd leave the idea of it open for, say, also positive kind of 'imaginations'. However, I use the term dystopia from not any better alternative to offer. (And, it's the course history which may have caused most of these texts, at least the reliable some, from to take that shape. )

; Finally, if only briefly, it could be mentioned, along above referred purely imaginary utopian classics, some writings w. actual intention(s) about an improvement of the political and societal system(s). Along with the Plato's State, one can, if wish, also consider fx Rousseau's Social Contract (1762) for sort of an utopia of that kind. That means, utopia w. some active, realizable intentions. (Even that Rousseau usually denied of having written it for anything like that in mind.) - Interesting also is for mention, maybe, that he (Rousseau) as well was accused from the (slight) religious blashemy, and also was, resultatively, exiled. (Though later allowed to return.) ; In comparison, we find (fx) philosopher David Hume's (1711-1776) 'Idea of a perfect commonwealth' (p. 1752), though it's often considered merely to some 'ideal sketch'. Also it being a briefer essay and merely not any actual envisioning about about the perfect social order. ; Unlike some above mentioned 'utopian writers', seems that Hume not was 'victimized' even that he was held for 'radical skeptical philosopher' of his times^(x4), ao, due his views on the religion (or, on any metaphysical aspects). (For example, at his philosophical views Hume seems fx assert for the all religion (/religious feeling) based on emotions of fear and hope...although, he not expressed arguments favoring the  displacement of religion in the society.)

; ...Not any good comparison to offer btw these two (...ao, of not having viewed Hume's Ideal commonwealth on the original English), but the below note from Rousseau's Contract is quite enlightening to quote on this, for on it he stresses a view from corrupting effect of the capital on men. In other words, also argues strongly for different values (that really would/should matter) in society, and for the humanity in general. In contrast, at the Hume's essay there's hardly much anything similarly direct statements about the 'ills' any monetary system might be considered to have on the citizen's morals. ; ...I-o-w, where Hume's 'effort' avoids any discussion directly about the actual effects of the property, Rousseau's plea feels like very idealistic indeed (But, it is also well-argumented view, and in perfect harmony w. fx some antique ideals from constitutional basic principles on that 'ideal state', for which he also constantly refers to on Social contract). Yet, ...I think every utopian writer an idealist of some sort. ; ...And also to mention that Hume's texts actually lot briefer, generally an essayist 'sketch' though it often touches similar view-points on the socio-political organization, voting and the parliament. But, as some example of the Rousseau's view from citizens 'ideal duties' as written on that:

”As soon as public services ceases to be the chief business of the citizens, they would rather serve with their money than with their persons, the State is not far from its fall. ...Men surrender a part of their profits in order to have time to increase them at leisure. Make gifts of money, and you will not be long without chains. The word finance is a slavish word, unknown in the city-state. In a country that is truly free, the citizens do everything with their own arms and nothing by means of money; so far from paying to be exempted from their duties, they would even pay for the privilege of fulfilling them themselves. I am far from taking the common view: I hold enforced labor to be less opposed to liberty than taxes.

...Private affairs are even of much less importance, because the aggregate of the common happiness furnishes a greater proportion of that of each individual, so that there is less for him to seek in particular cares...” 
; of Rousseau's Social contract (chpt XV; Deputies...) ; cited via Gutenberg-version.

; ...I've probably now devoted already too much space on these aspects, but anyhow, of course there's as well number other writings w. political/social intentions, that one could relate for the utopian-context. I only briefly refer for some. To those fx seem sometimes considered Perpetual peace: A Philosophical sketch (1795) by (philosopher) Kant (Immanuel, 1724-1804), also essay, and fx (poet) Dante's (Alighieri, 1265-1321) De monarchia (p. 1312-3), ...latter meantioned dealing w. '...the relationship between secular authority, and the religious authority.', which around his times, the 14^th century, meant the skism btw Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope. ; As most of these discussed utopianic-views about ideal states (...et resembling) originate from tradition(s) where written language written (w. alphabets) was common, the main part of these utopianic 'texts'/utopianism in general appear European by origin. But principally, fx, nothing prevents mentioning at this the Great Law of Peace, a treaty made by several tribes that formed the Iroquis Nations. ...An arrangement held already from the 15^th to 16^th centurys, and often it is recognized from the strong democratic elements this treaty contained. (Also has had lot later influence on political thought, etc.)
 

;...However, it's probably wisest delimit the above referred purely theoretical (and non-fiction), or 'juridiscal' texts outside our scope w. the utopist texts. Yet, can't still avoid from to mention Karl Marx (1818-1883) at this, for many historians consider marxism, or Das Kommunistiche Manifest (p. 1848) to have, in time, as maybe the most influential utopist 'declaraation' in the world history. ...Along w. perhaps, prior mentioned Social Contract by Rousseau, which is sometimes fx noted, from it's author's several writings, been on late 1700s time at France the '...most discussed, yet least read book from Rousseau.'. However, opinions about it's major importance do greatly differ. (Or, for another good example there's Plato's State, even if it neither wasn't probably actually meant, or considered by it's author for any actual 'realizable utopia', but as a version of the idea state.).

[ To the right ; Portrait of Karl Marx - Seems that this one rather commonly is reprinted on various books,  (...And, at this case seems he's not wearing a monocle, however...)

NOTES:

x1 : ...Campanella seems said at first been put for prison on 1594. Then again on 1597, and then from y. 1599 onwards until the y. 1628. (On the different places from Napoli and Rome). (By early time he was in the same prison as Giordano Bruno, 1548-1600, perhaps the most famous executed ”heretic” of the same century. B-t-w, Bruno seems also mentioned of been the first philosopher/theologist at his times that wrote on common language, not on latin) Campanella as well seems written on italian...but many of his writings also were latinized, some apparently of relative soon. Later Campanella was pardoned, and relocated to the monastery, from where was fully freed only at 1629. ;...However, first of been captured, Campanella fx had to keep playing a mental fool over a year's time to avoid the death sentence, fx. Even after that was tortured but he insisted not confessing any guilty to the accusators (...might have been rather wise decision, for confessing would've probably been interpreted sufficient reasons to him judged as servant of the evil powers, ie heretic and might've also lead to his death.)

The years from his life were spend in the imprisonment, it might actually said make the Cita del Sole also some classic amongst the famous books written in prison ...Comparable, maybe, to the works by some his near contemporaries like Francois Villon. (...or, to that bit later lived famous sado-masoichist, Marquies de Sade. - Campanella, that humble monk, would of course greatly abhorred the latter comparison. Maybe not so much of the former.) Cita del Sole seems have some references to the Ovid, Vergil, and also he quotes some words ftom Ariosto's Orlando Furioso on it. ...Makes that father Tommaso anyhow seem for quite widely educated - or perhaps versatile read - an ecclesian).

; Is in fact remarkable that he on those circumstances survived for live to such an old age (Campanella lived for age of 71). But it's also from the modern times view-point quite difficult for us (to) understand from that absolute blind faith to God's higher wisdom and omnipotent good will – And that was also probably equally shared by his accusators, too. (Even considering that same sort of 'absolutism' from the religious views, might still said from exist at least on some resembling 'sects' on our own days, perhaps.).

His sufferings finally ended of being paroled on his later years (There's also recognized some great historical irony on that the author for City of the Sun (Città del Sole) then, around 1630s (having priorly fled for the France), even went just before his death (on 1638) to inaugurate a horoscope for following king-to-be, Ludwig the XIV (Also known in the history as the Sun King). Campanella didn't succeed gain any actual important position on court, despite his efforts, seems said...(but yet fx the belief on horoscopes remained rather strong well until the 1800s, even. (Even if the astrology also was quite strongly opposed by some (authorities)...even to the point where (it) could be interpreted as signs of some heretism. But that differing greatly btw the religious sects, possibly, likely. The horoscopes augurated on singular peoples fates and fortunes, and some of the general expected 'wordlly happenigns' also were received by rather different tones...possibly quite similarly as today. )

x2 : Copernican system – (Briefly) means the heliocentric view about planetary movements. ...The beginnings of the modern world is often timed to relate for 'birth' of a 'Copernican world-view'. (As the polish astrologer, Copernicus (1473 -1543) was a first to develop and publish some theory about that. Posthumously though, and he also wasn't the first for claim so.) (However, Campanella fx didn't favor any views about the centrality of the sun (ie believed the 'traditional' Ptolemaic system by antique origin), he only uses Sun as a parable/motive to the divine 'priest-king', or highest authority on his utopian city.)

x3 : ..But it is at least interesting to read, in parallel for these aspects, from Mann's 1493. Uncovering the New World Columbus Created. (p. 401-2 ; more generally also p. 402-410.), that there were fx some actual plans on realization of the (some kind/or certain form) 'utopian states' at Spanish colonies. ...(Represents) some early example on how (early) ideas at utopian texts (More's Utopia, on that case) probably were held rather high on esteem by the theologists of the 1500s. ...On that that case, it was (though) used for some (moral) 'justifications' or means for converting native populations on colonies to firm christians, and, in that manner also relates on efforts from compel them to accept discriminative hierarchy established by the conqueror(s).

x4 : ...Due from whatever reasons; ...Seems it also fx said that despite his opinions, sometimes in contrast for prevailed religious views, Hume possessed a few actual enemies. As well, of his character is fx said that him been generally liked by most of his contemporaries...in some contrast for the Rousseau, who's writings often contains accusing men of their failures from serve the justice at 'modern, urbanized society/'state'. Hume's expressions often appear generally rather mild. Even if considered for radical scepticist, he also seems mainly remained on the role of a philosopher, not openly making any loud criticism of the prevailed order. And, of course, development of the monarchy/republics was on England rather different than on France/continent. (Anyway, interesting to mention, Hume also having offered Rousseau place of astay during the exile of latter mentioned, which that also accepted for some time.)

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; One for All, and All for One. Of Marx we briefly notice (...no question that by no coincidence), that in the Europe's history renown 1848revolutions^(x1) took place on the very same year as the communist manifest. (Even if there's not any direct relations, as the text seems said written rather shortly after been asked for...and seems it also said far less complete, or from not similarly from any argumentative theoretil entity, than is Marx's more massive theoretical creation, Das Kapital (1867). (However, Marx also seems said from had considered the incidents of that year (1848) as a strong sign of the class-conflict, but also saw '...the revolution as being directed by the desires of the middle-class' ; Wikip.) ; Additionally, Marx himself is said clearly having distanced his historical materialism of the views he saw as (/and those later often called for some by) 'utopian-socialists'. ...Anyway, would of course be rather difficult out-line here all the important developments of the socialism during that latter part from 1800s, as there were also other rivalling theories within the early communists (fx social anarchistic, etc, ao.) So, from our utopian-context at least feels satisfying if we only notice that Marx's 'utopism' is a rarer case of am actual political theory(Or, some purely theoretical futuristic formulations/foresee about society's development in the expectable futures.), that later did came to have a more long-term political influence. 

; Yet, further noted of the w. communism/early socialism (The term, I guess must originate from the communes, I even not viewed that from anywhere to verify), that from the late 1800s happenings there's as well the famous incidents of the Paris Commune (on 1870s)...And other things, but, considering our utopian texts (and classics) it's equally important to mention that the communes and (the 'modern') idea for common property had by the late 1800s, and along w. emergence of socialism probably, become actualized for some realizable, alternative views of the social organization (The former mentioned, at least from early decades of the 1800s). ...In short, important aspect to notice therefore, that lot before communism (and the marxian theory), communes/communalism well existed. Mostly perhaps in form of the workers units at cities, as some agrarian communes or similar experiments at countryside. Them also, perhaps not least, had (some) source at the described centuries long tradition of the, so called, utopist fiction.

It was on some place also said, I guess, that the communes most flourished on during the late decades from century, 1880s....ie, also alongside w. emergence of (fx) such things as 're-forming' of certain religious sects, early psychological theory, socialism, mesmerism, spiritualism, ao. So it's also not very surprising to find there's number of 19^th centurian novels w. (utopian) themes/topics relating to the community-life. Not all were basing for communist theories, or the common property either, but many of course must've had to do with the rise of socialism.

Perhaps quite differing kind example of a 'communal utopia', however, and of the bit earlier times (late 1700s), there seems noted fx Sarah Scott's (1732-1795) Description of Millenium Hall (1762, a novel apparently). It is said from had influenced of an idea about utopian commune-like society, consisting of the divorced and unmarried women. (...Living on their society acc. the principles favored by 1700s rationalist philosophers). Only of interest for us to mention here, as it seems generally rather early considering what noted priorly of the begins of communes, of various kinds (agrarian- and urban-, fx).

Also seems it fx noted that various 'communal efforst' were even more usually formed on the N.American part than at Europes; ...Quite many of those as direct following to the socialist movements/-ideas, but as well many via singular personnels efforts. Most typical example from the 1800s 'communal'-novel, described for based on the author's real life experiences^(x2), in an agrarian commune, is fx Hawthorne's (1804-64) Blithendale romance (p 1852). ...Yet as mainly a romantical novel ('romance', as the usual fictional term of the time, preferred by Hawthorne), it's perhaps slight difficult, or at least contradictional, of to consider for an actual utopist text. (Besides the author himself seems later said thought from the 'experiment' with, sort of, disappointed tone.) However, fx vegetarism on some of these communal efforts appears been at least an occasionally held principle, or for some relative common feaurea of the many agrarian communes. (Also it is rather central theme at the Hawthorne's novel discussed). ...And probably not quite misleading to suppose that had some origin from ideals inherited via the romanticism at the turn from the former century.

But in comparison, there's - amongst some from most usually mentioned (futuristic) utopian novels of the 1800s - fx William Morris's (1834-1896) News from Nowhere (1890), a book that also via it's name neatly offers to belong for this 'genre'. Morris's book is usually noted for some 'archetype' example from typical utopian writings of the late 1800s (...Those that Wells on that priorly quoted paragraphs somewhat critizes) ...But as well as from Hawthorne's novel, that feels perhaps little contradictional claim. Yet, the Morris's novel is generally seen for a social-utopy projected to the era at some (near?) futures. Morris's also maintained multitude pursuits, fx the garden-town idea, Arts and Crafts-movement, that would obviously place him among most renown personnels on 1800s who enthusiastically worked for actual realization of many socialist ideals. In short, where Marx observed the capitalists to deprive their workers on every material levels, Morris put the main attention for similar deprivation on the aesthetic and environmental aspects. (...Not a less important from notice it happens still today, and even at your (urban) every-day surroundings.). ; Consequently, as brief reference for the 'utopist' communal ideas and the urbanization criticism on the late 1880s/90s, and of various projects belonging as well for Morris's 'offspring', could mention Ebenezer Howard's (1850-1928) city-planning classic - book by name Tomorrow: A peaceful path to reform (1898). (Also, there emerged so called Garden City Movement by those times.)

; Amongst the 'communal' novels - of the late 1800s, not any manner directly influenced from Morris – would also be listed fx W.H. Hudson's (1841-1922) A Crystal Age (1887). (The book also quoted on begins of this text.) Hudson's utopia is probably far less well-known than some of the priorly mentioned. Yet, it fx has very many usual elements of typical social/communal utopia, it fx has strong emphasize on religious/social values, and likewise contains some idealisation of the agriculturalist life (to the level of pastoralism, occasionally). Sometimes also thought for some forerunner of the more recent environmentalist utopias. ...On the other hand via it's setting on an obscure place/time, seems the novel also much resemble other typically 1880s utopian texts. 
 

...It's perhaps not any great novel of fx the language or from the plot – as those feel quite conventional. (Actually most utopian writers haven't been precisely any 'great authors', or such greats as Verne, Wells, Hawthorne, Lawrence...Most utopias (often) seems been written by the 'multitalents', some like (say) Morris, Zamjatin, ao... Hudson was an ornithologist (/a naturalist traveller) from main profession (...his descriptions of the birds are rather enchanting.) ; ...But the actual reason to it's citing (on begins) is because from I think those couple paragraphs very well emphasize an aspect much in the forefront from large part of the utopist tradition – the (social) gender^(x3). Even though the sexual thematics, I think, mostly remains on rather 'old-fashioned' level on that book. (Often/mostly presented/addressing that usual patriarchal-matriarchaism, morals typical to Victorian era society/principles). Yet, seems it (somehow) questioning that obvious stagnation of the society – which was maintained w. (...also by other means), via the gender-roles.; ...I-o-w: not contains any actual radical 'free sex and natural paradises'-type imaginations, but succeeds represent a view on some stabuilized agrarian society/world on the imagined (, 'post-collapse'-) futures, to which the main characters suddenly shifts (And, if that interpreted for some undefined 'projected future', not fx only as some altered distant present.). ; ...For the Hudson's merits also can be said that seems he had well had acknowledged the existence of that gender-aspect, so central - but hidden - on some writings on the past utopian tradition. In fact, I think those few quoted paragraphs, make far better parable of that traditions, than fx the Wells or Zamjatin ever achieved on their 'socio-fantastics'.( ….Well, the ornithologiasts observe much, so they likely notice many things...)

; And then, I only mention number other efforts of at least slight resembling kind (from late 1800s, mainly) ; Fx Hertzka's Freeland (1889 – quite proper naming, must say...), Looking Backward (1887) by Edward Bellamy (...some 'Rip van Winkle story set in the distant future from year 2000.' ; ...Interesting, but seems that Morris's utopian novel actually was written for some 'antithesis' on Bellamy's over-optimistic vision about the imagined future world where development, in time, may have created more equal and wealthy 'paradise-world' - Also replacing the capitalist production/prevailed conditions w. the blessings of an techno-social progress.) ; And, Cabet's (Etienne, 1788-1856) Voyage en Icarie (1840), (Even though, from bit earlier by time of publication, it fx said (esp.) reflecting the communalism/communistic ideas inherited from the French revolution.) ; From the latter decades of 19^th century there's as well number of examples on imaginous travels below the earths ground, mostly in form of popular novels; fx by Verne, Ludwig Holberg, Bulwer-Lytton, etc., (The theme mostly flourished prior there were any exact, scientific, knowledge concerning the Earth's centre.) But, I think most from those merely of an adventurist travel story, not so important from any social utopian themes.

NOTES:

x1 : Actually the 'revolutionary upraisals'...on France, Italy, Deutchland (/then the German States), and in the whole from a Habsburg-empire (ao, roughly present Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Poland, Czech, Croatia, Slovakia. Also on many other European countries that marked a restless year. ; ...However, most from actual changes were to be of temporary kind; At France fx royal monachy was disbanded in for the Second Republic, but also after a few years that was followed by Second French Empire. There were also some changes in the regional map, which, fx in time lead for the constitution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from Habsburgs (It remained an european state until the first World War).

x2 : ...Noted usually of been based for his experiences on Brook Farm (social) experimental community btw the years from 1841-46.

X3 : Gender – as defined on dictionary: 'n. (Gram.) one of the classes (MASCULINE; FEMININE and NEUTER) into which words are divided according to the sex, natural or grammatical, of the things they represent; classifications of words into genders according to their forms, etc. ; (facet,) sex; +kind, sort, class, +v.t. ; to beget, to produce, to cause. +v.t. ; to breed, to copulate [ME gendre, OF genre, L genere, abl. of GENUS]' (; Cassell's) – ...At this respect mentioned, that we mainly refer to the socially constructed basis of the gender, not for the terms meanings on language ...as I think, the origin of it (gender) on language, more or less, is always traceable for the terms very socially constructed basis (...or however, whatever about that...). ...And soforth, without further references, I only notice from that I'm fx quite happy of having, on our domestic language, not any use from those pronouns according the sex – As, on many European main languages them always contain a bit valuing, sometimes feels even, a normative content. ...As well I've not ever noted their non-exsitence from to 'cause me any harm...except maybe at certain arranged social situations; For example on occasions when you'd expect to be served tequila sunrise and instead they bring you dry vodka....but, indeed a minor harm compared for if having to follow some social code/ 'grammar' according the gender...)

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; One Good Man.  ...reminded of Well's concerns about what is utopia (and what not), this then brings for my mind (that) almost any fictional work, by some loosely defined criteria, easily, would fit on this 'context'. ...Meaning, that fx Defoe's (1660-1731) Crusoe (1719) appears commonly seen for archetypical island-utopia, mostly because it's set on some far-away place, like the most utopias are. In spite of that, I think best not consider it for a real 'utopist fiction' but as merely for individualist survival story^(x1). And quite similarly from the many comparable/followed 'Robinsoniads', like Simplicissimus (1669) by Grimmelschausen, fx Melville's Typee (1812), Verne's Mysterious Island (1874), Robinson Family (1812) by Wyss, ao, as well fx Sainte-Pierre's Paul and Virginie (1770s). ; However, Golding's (William, 1911-93) The Lord of the Flies (1952) I think, perhaps beacuse of it's strong pessimism, more of an example from dystopian reverse image of utopia, as it fx has strong emphasize on social themes...In bit similar vein than at old utopian stories about those far-away places (like islands, and, continents).

As related to the last mentioned 'island-utopias' we can't then possibly avoid of mentioning from, via this, of stories situated for Australasia...an imaginary continent, that was assumed exist somewhere btw S.America and Asia. (Mainly because of the many tales told about it well since the middle-ages. The Australasia as well - claimedly - was seen by various seamen and traveller's. It even 'haunted' at the old maps until the 1800s.^(x2)) Some texts set on this described very 'imaginary place' are at least (very properly named) Terre Australis Incognita (from 1720, Anon. written), and La terre Australe connue (1676), also it's continuation Les adventures de Jacques Sodeur by Franciscan monk Gabriel de Foigny (ca 1630-1692). (Don't know if those ever been translated to engl. fx, but at least following the 'classic european tradition' about thinking even stranger things from (seemingly) strange cultures, Foigny is mentioned from to have imagined his austrasians for some hermafrodites^(x3) living on simple and innocent natural utopian society.) Indeed, the general idea from that Australasia seems reflected lot the other old imaginous old travel-tales.

 

[To the right - A photo/postcard on the World War I city-ruins (after artillery bombardment) ; ...Happens that the war-years effectively shattered any hopes on/from the future development of the 'civilized countries'...or 'commonwealths' - To the level where any 'traditional' utopist optimism, probably, by the time (1920s-1950s) ], wasn't possible anymore. (As the state of the humankind, all in all, didn't seem like very...dignified.)

; ...Yet, couple other examples of 'utopian-related' theme are, maybe, some classics on animal-human thematics. (Possibly there would be several other good examples at island-utopias, too)...But I only mention on this Anatole France (1844-1924), who was rather popular author on early from 1900s, and also received noble-prize on 1921. France by Zamjatin's words was '...working parallel to Wells in the field of the social pamphlet clothed in the artful form of ironic-fantastic novels'. On this instance I only pay attention to France's perhaps most renown satirist creation, the Penguin island (L'lle des Penguins, p. 1914). ...a book where the parable from religion, politic and mythologics, themes taken of human societies past history, are transferred on an island-utopia...For a place originally inhabited by penguins. (Despite there's no direct mention, I think, them can be considered identifiable for Great Auks, an extinct species of bird.) From book's pessimist tones, the publication year also, likely it most easily then fall to a category from early dystopist novel. (Also, book's said to contain elements of anarchism, also typical for this era.) ; ...Along w. that, we might then also mention, if only briefly, the Orwell's (1903-1950) famous Animal Farm (p. 1945), an equally utopic animal-satire, albeit perhaps not nearly similarly utopian from other respects. (Defending it's mention here at least is that book's 'nerve' is usually noted arise from the close proximity of it's irony for real existent communist societies of the time.)

; ...Of other satirist works, a classsic renown example (,also written by cleric, priest by original profession) is Jonathan Swift's (1667-1745) Gulliver's travels (p. 1726) (Apparently, on many ways some sort of a border-case – utopian by setting/circumstances, combination pure phantasy, satire and antique myths from detail/plot – And, besides seems Swift that even wrote on his story some odd land called 'Laputa', which seems thought to ironize More's Utopia....) ; But, then there's other old satirists (fx, Rabelais, resembling some also is Cervantes) ...And then - why not also mention of - ...Blake's Paradise Lost, Lewis Carroll (...another border-case, I think. His real name Charles Dodgson, btw), and Aisopos, Walt Disney, Erasmus, Dostoyevsky, Emmanuelle, Frank Sinatra, Ronald McDonald (...some imaginary 'Well-doer', in the very Zamjatian sense, say...), Elvis....for claritys sake I only say that not all kind satires or fiction even distantly reflect an utopian idea....

; And from the same reason, however, I think it better if we limit major part of the scifi outside our 'utopian-context' (...for example, also Zamjatin – see from below more - seems to think for Wells's sole utopian novel Men like Gods, and outside the scope of utopias then fall also fx Dr. Moreau (1896), The Time Machine (1895), When the sleeper Wakes (1899), First Men on the Moone (1901)...Or even that novel renown of it's early foresights/views about the atomic catastrophes/-war, ie the World Set Free). Also, there's among Well's efforts some futuristic-theoretical books like, fx, Mankind in the making (1903), and New Worlds for Old (1908) – but likely they're not actual novels either, even though one might gain of those more comprehensive view on the Well's (early) socialism^(x4). ; ..Also, I think the Voltaire's (Francois Marie Arouet, 1694-1778) little story, Micromegas (1752), actually quite a proper example from mention on this - Not from any scifistic ideas, but as (some sort of) an utopist antithesis. (No matter that Zamjatin doesn't seem mentioned it), I think the Voltaire's book at least has a very utopian-like main plot, for on it the usual imaginary (utopic) travels to the (nearby) planets are seen in their reverse: 'Planetary traveller' on the story arrives instead to Earth from some distant planetary system. (...guess Wells likely was familiar from the story...)

; Yet, after the above 'limitations' I return briefly on some older, purely imaginary kind, historical situations/themes written to utopian novels. Esp. because on them seem contain some 'very scifistic' (or futuristic) themes on developments and futures of the modern societies/commonwealth. Also typical from descriptions and contemplation of the civilizations expectable 'doom', or ends, in the light from present politics and institutions. ; So, for often mentioned interesting effort from it's times appears James Harrington's The Commonwealth of Oceania (...which was published some hundred years before that Hume's essay, ie on 1656. Hume refers to Harrington's themes on that.). Oceania also contains description about, sort of, 'state-reform' set on the (then) envisaged close futures, few decades after. Geographically it situated on Great Britain.) 
 

; …Interesting it maybe – if I recall correctly about that – that Harrington's utopia also seems quite often recognized for an influential source to Mary Shelley's (1797 – 1852) novel The Last Man (p. 1826)(It is usually noticed that Shelley had other sources as influential too). Should be mentioned also that – in spite of the books shortcomings, fx it's rather fragmentary and uneven plot - it belongs for some most succesfull 'utopic' novels. Appears situated for the far distant future, smtgh like around the y. 2070s. By many ways it is recognizably similar to aspects typical on some later dystopias. (Fx, the story is began by some 'frame-story', a technique rather usual at many later utopian writings. At begins and the on end the book it also shows from pastoralist elements...ao. But that setting - where the narrator of the future tells his story (about humanitys ultimate loss and end) to the readers at 'fictional present time' – also feels very modern. (Actually, i'ts very similar if compared for Zamjatin's We. On Shelley's story the incidents are told as written on leafs^(x5), discovered from the cave, while zamjatin's 'narrator' telss his story via more modern archiving method (phonetic records or smtgh)...ie both use similar technique for distancing the fictional story from the limits of linear view to history.)

; The Last Man is most usually recognized from it's major horronesque theme (Great disease), also from the romantically melodramatique tones. ...But also some important themes, apparent on throughpast the book, are the questions from monarchian and republic systems of governance (Ie, it deals lot w. the then actuelt topics about the best political arrangement of a commonwealth.). It could with no problem desribed for an (early) dystopia, too, which (definition) necessarily also would make it seem rather modern novel. (The book didn't receive any great reception on it's times, though, but remained almost forgotten for until 1950s, when been again 'discovered'.)

; Finally, we might mention – if only briefly - a bit later example from notably socialis/communal utopian thematics. Namely the novel Jack London's (1876-1916) Iron Heel (1908). Seems it's far less well known than some author's famous youth books, yet the book fx later seems recognized for quite correctly drawn foresee about on the rise of the fascism (On the book projected in the close futures, and in reality happened nearly for the same timing, few decades after). Also, the book's themes from class-struggle and totalitarian states seem quite successfull from modern times view-point. (Not the least, as it is also said been a first novel to depict a view of a totalitarist U.S. State. I-o-w, the books theme seems observed w. some increased interest due from the developments during some recent decades time.) ; Another example from the closely same era/decades, we just mention on this, might be fx Lady Chatterley (1928) by D.H.Lawrence (1885 - 1930). (Worth the mention as some example of the book(s) w. some 'sexual utopia' of it's time of appearance...albeit it's critique from the existent social order/aristocratic hypocrite sexual morals might've been a bit old-fashioned by then. Succeeded yet to arise some attention, mostly from early copies of book were at first confiscated. Mainly though, a story of the era of fragmentation of the 1800s old class-hierarchies, not an actual social utopist novel.)

...But let that suffice from (mostly) socialist utopian fiction. (And also, of the 1800s communal experiments et other resemblingly marxian movements). ; ...And, no question from, or denying that we'd find, easily, multitudes other texts w. the utopian content, also dystopias - however best inventive novels probably also are always somewhat exceptional.

[To the right - Ship, a 'vehicle for Utopia"] ; ...At the era from cross-seas explorations, the improvement of seas permitted distant voyages for earlier unexplorated places. So the ship represented, in many ways, certain form of a floating utopia; ...a place of its own, or separate of the minor 'island' itself. (Even that living conditions on old sails usually weren't, by any level, even bearable.) Also not only the Portuguese and Spanish did some over-sea explorations, but also the Chinese, already some half the century earlier. (At the time, the chinese emperor had worlds largest amount navy/sails...but that was around the early 15th century.)  ; From the ships typical at the time - of their basic characteristics, fx can view of the list on this scale model site (...contains brief definitions on Caravel, Galleons and Carracks...ao ships.) Carracks were the main large ocean-going vehicles, by which the Spanish/Portuguese explored the world on 15th/16th century. ...But Columbus (/Colon) for example, had also some smaller Caravel along, when at first crossing the Atlantic. ...maybe just that 'flotilla' he then had to leave behind when on return...


NOTES:

X1 : ...I'm aware that many of the Crusoe's actions, and (actually) large parts of the story are often seen in parallel to / as parable for existent civilized society and organization, via Crusoe's character. But I still think it for more correct to intrerpret the story as an individualist adventure, not for an actual utopia, by the author's main intention on it. Despite that, book's probably had more of an influence for later literature, also the so called utopist fiction, than any other mentioned on this (; ...For example, seems that already before the turn of the 1800s some nearly 400 'replicas' in form of the popular robinsoniads, or other resembling novels/fiction had been published...Likewise, due because from tgreat popularity of Defoe's book (...of large part/partly because of Rousseau's praises of Robinson Crusoe at his 'educative utopian' novel Emile, p. 1762.), actually has meant that the book is generally understood as the island-adventures, while it originally also contained additional chapters on Robinson's later travels., ...And even there also was collection from Robinson's aphorisms, written by Defoe few years after.)

x2 : ...Fx, Bougainville and Commerson, during their world-around sail (ca 1866-68?), when sailing on Pacific, are described to have seeked any traces from, and argued about existence of this purely fantasified continent (Australasia).

x3 : At the 1900s (or even before), the was theme picked to most various scifistic novels...(I recall) without any further checking some by Lem, Le Guin, ...etc.

x4 : (Somewhat interesting, but)...I never thought Wellls from to have held socialist ideas,before I started writing this text. Possible that's quite buried under Well's shadow as some 'visionary giant, father for scifi.' Or, might've of course been from my own limited acquaintance, but anyway, I suppose nowadays – some hundred years later - a few of the readers to his most popular novels, ever even come to notice that.
  Anyhow, more informative view-points are offered via from following quote: ”In the last decade of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century, it [- the social evolutionary theory, by fx Herbert Spencer] provided a rationale for a statist critique and redefinition of progress and liberalism. There were of course some, like H.G.Wells and Karl Pearson, who descibed themselves as at once eugenists and socialists. But their socialism was defined in relation to the necessary, imperial conflict of races in the international arena rather than between classes at home. ...” ; Pick (1989), Faces of degeneration. A European disorder c.1848 – c.1918, (p. 218).; ...But also, noticeable considering that from any (early) Wells's views for that actualized 'confict of races' on international arena, any Well's book by my reading (ie that mostly means the novels referred on this), would show from wuite contradictory themes. More precisely those feel  quite fluctuating, difficult interpret from what kind of values or preferences his views on them would show...and of his socialism possibly quite similarly, at wasn't least by any manner wasn't too orthoxic (of the main views). ; The renown novel The Sleeper Awakes is commonly studied good example...albeit I think the book not amongst Wells's best if compared for some stories written at same, or on following decade.

x5 : ..more specifically: ”What distinguishes The Last Man from like-minded Romantic calls for transformation is it's use of the Sibyl, the revered pagan seer, as its principal visionary ancestress. [...via that...] Shelley meaningfully questions the masculine bias in Romantic prophecy: consider, for example, that Byron's 'The Vision of Judgement' features an all-male cast (insomuch as saints, angels, and devils can be indentified by gender).” , and, as well, fx noted that: ”...As a Romantic visionary artist Shelley seeks to discredit the idea that history is linear and unidirectional; for her, history must not be organized by the same logic that cites the past as an authority for dynastic succession, primogeniture, imperialist aggression, and whole traditions of oppression. […] By virtue of her novel's sibylline timescape, Shelley achieves what Anne McWhir calls a 'visionary synchonicity' (xxvii) that complicates history as a resource for institutional forms of power. ...” (; Ruppert 'Time and the Sibyl in Mary Shelley's ”The Last Man”'. Stud. In the novel. Summer 2009, vol 4. Iss 2.) ; ...As we notice of the quoted sentences that gender-aspect again – little resembling what noted priorly about Hudson's novel (Also via it's structure somewhat challenging concerning the traditonal concepts about linear-time). ...But, as there are nowadays is, probably, amounts of studies written from The Last Man, I don't care go further fof these contemplations.... 


 [Beside/below] ; A detail from comic screen by Carl Barks (..his the name closely resembles the Karl Marx, btw). Barks - perhaps aware of that ironical similarity - never situated much stories on the communist states. However, this hilarious caricature about an imagined totalitarian (communist) country's head-man appears drawn for a couple of stories, at least. (...And, equally hilarious that at least on some of the translations the name for the country goes w the name of brutopia.)

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; One of a kind, or, One in a Million. The introductory chapters on utopian theme now passed, finally devoting a few words on Zamjatin's We (novel written 1920-1) – The main recommended fictional piece at this. Appears it (famously) also most renown (sovjet) 'utopist' novel, and as well seems 'merited' for been the very first novel that was banned from publication in the (then) recent born 'utopian state', the Sovjet Union. (So, the book appeared first on English, by 1924.) Also is usually considered for sort of dystopia on the prospectable futures/or, presently prevailed conditions on the world's first communist country...But, notwithstanding that, the book actually equally often seems been interpreted for a view about felt general 'pessimism' about the expectable soon-to-rise totalitarism, and, related for that equally important from themes about the deflation of individuality. I-O-W; I think, it not greatly erraneously said, when noted Zamjatin's criticism equally targets the totalitarism and oppression felt by the indivudals on capitalistic economies. (...'Though, he hadn't had any direct contact on that since after from returnign for Russia (around y. 1918 postward.). But, most apparently books themes are yet automatically read in parallel for the resembling historical develoments on (then) extistent cmmunist countries.

; Further on/about We, [we :)] only place a few additional remarks on this. First, it being perhaps not any great novel. (Like said priorly, in fact, few others from any utopian novels ever were, at least acc. my judging.) Generally the book has pretty good plot but certain 'weaknesses', say...fx the use of stream-of-consiousness(-technique) isn't very successful, at least not throughout the novel. There's also in overall too much repetition in the text. Yet I think, it seems from had set sort of level(or, some form of expression) to the on-coming/later created classics by the utopist(/dystopian) fiction. ...The books ending also is quite effective. And, the said by no way dilutes it's importance also for some effective foresee and futuristic imaginous 'prophecy' on the comparable histories of both the communist/catalist societies of that time (prior the war, 1920s/30s). ...Slight resembling on that w. the formerly described Shelley's Last Man – notice their similarities, priorly mentioned. Likewise, if compared to London's Iron Heel. (Albeit as novels them are rather different kind.) ...Was referred briefly on prior paragraphs, seem it also notable Zamjatin was (a lot) influenced from Wells, about whom he had also written an essay (at 1922). (See our notes of the Wells, earlier on this.) ; I also wonder if been from (his) interest on merely scifistic themes, that Zamjatin hardly mentions some of the Well's books (such as) the earlier quoted 'effort' on utopan themes, A Modern Utopia (1905) – I think the reason, actually is that Zamjatin also quite much leans on that 'nove'l by Wells's book on his essay. The book itself also might've not been so relevant example from the Zamjatin's view-point on Wells, as he observes via Wells merely that recently emerged, but not yet so clearly established literary form, the science fiction. ...And there were of course quite many books by Wells at that time already. ; But, as well of the Wells's socialism Z. fx writes:

"Socialism to Wells is unquestionably a way toward curing the cancer which has eaten into the organism of the old world. But medicine knows two methods of fighting this disease: one is the knife, surgery; the other, slover one, is therapy. Wells prefers the latter." (;'H.G.Wells'). (...but  also see the note x4, of above)

Also on that same essay (on Wells) Zamjatin also pays lot attention on Wells envisages about flying, esp. he refers to the book The War in the Air (1908) (In fact, he also recalls his own experiences about how enthusiastically the invention of the aviation.^(x1)was felt at the times from begins of century.) Also, on some place he (Zamjatin) notes that other novel by Wells: '...the future envisioned by Wells for atomic energy parallels the history of the airplane...'. Generally, on the essay he (Zamjatin) makes the aviation almost as important theme on Wells futurism, than his sociophantastics, or even the sociologically developed ideas about (then) close futures of humanity...or, fx Well's ideas from the World Council (later, after wars, to realize in form from the UN), which would guide mankinds progress.

; ...And yet another aspect to mention, I think, neither of these early 1900s 'visioners' - despite fx Wells's many praised foresees about the 1900s techno-social 'inventions' – might've quite had anticipated an actual amount from the increase of artificiality. Along the last century, and even more for nowadays – Just think about any from your favorite animal 'pet', appearing on the movies, toy characters, or whatsoever...and wonder whether it's creation might've been based more for an existent living being (Or was that realized solely w. the aid from computer graphics).

; Of Zamjatin, the critic, author, teacher, etc., there could've possible be said more on this....But most of his criticism fx seem available on the book we've mostly quoted on this^(x2). (...Fx the esssays on Alexander Blok and Gorki as well appear still very readable of a pure historical interest. It's quite useful reading otherways too. ; Additionally, Zamjatin's formulation about the characteristical features of the socialism and capitalism (,on 'Contemporary Russian Literature' p 1918) in fact belong to most understandably and simply presented I've seen, esp. so considering the early timing it written. (All from Zamjatin's literature criticisms aren't devoted on the fictional writing solely, but some 'parallel' arts too, fx theater, architecture, painting.) ; As well he often provides, or brings forth, nice and briefly expressed formulations in a few sentences. (Like fx on following sentences: ”But harmful literature is more useful than useful literature, for it's antientropic, it is a means of combating calcification, scelerosis, crust, moss, quiescense. It is utopian – like Babeuf in 1797. It is right 150 years later.” ; 'On literature, revolution, entropy and other matters', p. on y. 1923). ...Whatever the actual context this refers for (as I've not too precise idea), the demand for good literature can quite as well go for some good definitions from the 'utopian' fiction (or dystopian). (But, seems Zamjatin would've, possibly, preferred term heresyism to some synonyme to the good writing.) 

NOTES:

x1 : As a theme, the illusion/dream about flying actually has had far longer histories in the utopist literature: Campanella and Bacon fx both mention the inhabitants of their descibed ideal states from had invented (some methods) of flight....Which is actually an interesting view-point to refer at this on this (Even that, Zamjatin's notices for Wells's mostly are of the actual invention of the aeroplanes w. engines, ca from early 1900s, but...) ; Almost parallelly to Bacon (only some half the century before) Leonardo (da Vinci,1452 - 1519) was making his famous drawings from an realizable Ornitopthera. He in turn is said from to have been inspired from Roger Bacon's, ('Natural philosopher', who lived ca 1214-1294 – and from no relation for 1600s Francis]. ; The text 'On the marvelous power of art and nature'is said from describe an imagined flying machine. (I also suppose, that the Bacon's (Roger) 'flight-engine' would had a precedent source/origin at some mid-eastern 'philiophers' writings, or on some similar 'magical' tales. Probably more on that, might've by now been observed/discovered...) ; Campanella and Francis Bacon likely would've also known (Roger) Bacon's writings. (And possibly about  Leonardo's effort too, at least via distant storeis, or smtgh similar).
 ; ...Further then there is many antique texts, stories/or imaginary tales about flight, also on the medieval legends various fictional versions of the flights to the Moon, w. the fabulous chariots, or other imaginary travels, often accross the skies. Clearly, the idea about flight by man is lot older than any attempts of it's actual realization...like from anything imaginable.(But of course the ermergence of technologies permitting the aviation for much more universal manner of transport became realistic only later – and also quite much was hastened of the airplanes rapid development during their wartime uses.)

[To the right/below; ...an early drawing by Leonardo (of the y. 1473) ...Generally it seems thought to represent some from the very earliest (European) landscape-paintings...or even mentioned, that there not was any direct predessor from this kind paintins (of the landscape-view/natures), on (an European) painting. However, also from Leonardo's paintings there's strong element from phantasy, esp. in the landscapes painted on background, at least on the La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) and Madonna of the rocks.]

x2 : Zamjatin (1970), Sovjet Heretic. Essays by Y.Z. ; ...the singular essay/articles by Zamjatin referred on text are by name of an article, yet all them of this book.

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; One more for the road. Perhaps most unifying theme on almost any newer (A lot newer, I mean mainly by this the 'postwar', after World War I years utopist fiction, maybe) utopian fiction is (usually) imagined in form of view from some post-catastrophic world. I-o-w, most often the more 'modern utopias' seem situated on times post-nuclear wars, or post some climatic collapse, post the decline of resources (...or smtgh similar). More recent some (possibly, often) in some form of an environmental 'foresee' and/or from resembling themes.

...For some good examples, at least I think – better than the most from the usual entertative crap on end-of-times (theme) - we could mention fx Wild Boys. The Book of the Dead (p. 1971), by William Burroughs (1914-1997), and Doris Lessing's Memoirs of a survivor (p 1974). (If one then considers the poetic and 'beaten' form of the language at Burroughs's prose-lyric novel to fit for this field of literature. At least the books some combination of the homoerotism and imaginatively created view of the world era past post-capitalistic collapse of the societies). Lessing's classic dystopian novel is probably closer for more usual prose, and probably it too has inspired lots other resembling visions. (As I'm not too well familiar at any more recent some, not mentioning other examples. I quite scarcely even read any more recent fiction. Of course, there is probably on the popular fiction many novels that could've been mentioned, by the similar themes, like fx Collins's Hunger games-chronicles (2008-11). ...and possibly many others.)

So we can quite as well end our compasct notes on past utopian fiction and the futuristic foresees on human history - often an important theme on utopias like was noted – for Zamjatin's prophetic words about that 'next stage on social developments': 'You have probably read of that kind of development, it's called dialectic.' ; Related to that, if you'd then expect me to say that the internet has now emerged for the 'meta-narrative'...I notice that maybe only too self-evident and self-explanatory a view. ...In other words, there's still lot new utopias awaiting to be written – some of them w. an actual great importance to human kind (and some possibly would/ should better not even realize.) Considering the utopian fictions of the past, described on this shortly, noticeably all of most important some had some social meanings/intentions. None possibly was born purely for fullfilment of any artistic ambitions. (Most) were probably created as answers to some arised crises (Felt by their author's, or actual in the society). And some were greatly oppressed, at least by the begins. All from the notable creations weren't possibly too much recognized or even received any reception at their own time. Some were and some continue to be regularly read. 
(; Conclusively, the famous red-brick-road was comprised in the British Library, but there's as well numerous various roads that could be taken...by some/any who seek to enrich their utopic imaginations, ...or, -reality.) 
 

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; ...of the Raiders part - that theme in the recent posts, 'guess this neither devoted not to any particular...but Time possibly, naturally, harvests all fruit and bad apples, equally... 

; ....Frog-Beth? Well,...nevermind. 
 (All's Wells that ends Well...)

( The latest posts! - @ Mulskinner Blog @ )


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The Undesigned Chapter XIIIb ; Harvest, or, the 'Feast of Friends'

Recom. XVIII [III / 2014 ] ; The plants , Pt 2b

”...Since an acre of sugar produces as many calories as nine to twelve acres of wheat, imported sugar provided the caloric equavalent of the produce of 1.3 million 'ghost acres' of wheat-farming land in 1800, rising to 2.5 million acres in 1830 and around 20 million acres by 1900. Britain had clearly escaped the constraints of its limited land area by producing industrial goods, which did not require much land to manufacture and trading them for food, which did.

Sugar was of course used to sweeten tea, the favored drink of industrial workers, which helpfully delivered energy (from the sugar) and kept them alert during long shifts (since tea contains caffeine). Sugar was also consumed as a foodstuff, to enliven an otherwise monotonous diet: It could be added to porridge in the form of treacle or molasses, and eaten as jam (containing 50 to 65 percent sugar) in sandwiches. Treacle or jam on bread was favored by working families in the industrial cities because it was cheap source of calories and could be prepared quickly without the need to cook anything. Many women were now working in factories, and they no longer had time to prepare soup. ...” ; Standage, The Edible History of Humanity (2000s) , from chpt..8 - Fuels of Industry,

”The cauldron was a bubbling, 
the flesh was lean

And the women moved forward 
like piranhas in a stream

They spread themselves 
before me an offering so sweet

And they beckoned 
and they beckoned come on darling eat”

; Patti Smith / Summer cannibals (song)

”Consider, besides, that the same number of men consume much less in hot countries. The climate requires sobriety for the sake of health; and Europeans who try to live there as they would at home all perish of dysentery and indigestion.

[...] The nearer you get to the equator, the less people live on. Meat they hardly touch; rice, maize, curcur, millet and cassava are their ordinary food. There are in the Indies millions of men whose subsistence does not cost a halfpenny a day. Even in Europe we find considerable differences of appetite between Northern and Southern peoples. A Spaniard will live for a week on a German's dinner. In the countries in which men are more voracious, luxury therefore turns in the direction of consumption. In England, luxury appears in a well-filled table; in Italy, you feast on sugar and flowers.”

; Rousseau, Social Contract (Book III ; chpt VIII, 'That all forms of government do not suit all countries'), p 1762.

Albeit I don't think the Italians to live solely on flowers and sugars, Rousseau's p-o-w has some similarity if thinking our former writings about foods here (...view fx this from our earlier posts about meats). While I nowadays maintain somewhat more of a vegetables-oriented dietary preferences, and would by now probably write about that business (modern meat market) more sharply, I think the said still has some main points addressed. Of course, Rousseau's remarks probably (somewhat) also reflect his own times. On 1700s flourished climate-oriented theories/opinions on dependence of the physical characteristics of peoples around different corners of world (I-o-w; North – Sourth/ temperate – tropics), ...And it was then fx usual characterizing and classifying humans (also their behaviours and cultures ) acc. the typical weathers for any region considered.

; ...I also think it not necessary to occupy too much text or space of this chpt for the prospectable or envisioned thoughts on human agricultures.. But felt it quite proper for to view few aspects from it's history (ie, the role of the foods and farming on history of humanity. That so, even though appears that above quoted text by Standage is almost sole book I've viewed on this. (; ...along w. the older classic environmentalist book by Wilson, The biodiversity of Life, p. -92, it only slight relating for agricultural topics, but more on the natural ecology of the tropical region, ao.)

Has it's moments...as I think that those above paragraphs for quite correctly noticing of how much our habits and systems about food have changed since that, during relative recent period, around from mid 1800s. Merely meaning the overall change on diets, ...by the many or major amounts of peoples, fx the workers and 'petit bourgeoise, (in the Europes, et sim mostly, though). ; Also the above quoted paragraph are in the book preceded by descriptions from the early emergence of (British) industrialization and shift for uses of coal as the replacement of firewood, which took place around the same era. Contains also fx pages about the agricultural imports from prior acquised colonies, the West Indies, ie mainly the sugar imports, that; '...provided an astonishing proportion of British caloric intake during the nineteenth century.'.

(; Pic - Ra-ta-touille ; ...Prepared of the sefl-cultivated various vegetables; squash, tomatos, onion,carrots, etc. (The sweet pepper and eggplants weren't yet making harvest at that time, so I bought those for this preparation). But also the herbs/spices collected from my own plants (rosemary, oregano,saviour, basil, bay leaf, ...well the pepper not).
 
(B-t-w, here merely quoted from reason that modern emphasize about the disadvantages of sugars on diet has always/often seemed at least slightly misleading acc. my own finding. Of course, not likely much of sugarines on diet never can be defended by any argument favoring it's healthyness, but when viewing those 'past times' the fact remains that formerly (most peoples of the Northern Europes as elsewhere), also used the major amount of the energies gained from an increasage of sugar at their diet. I mean, typically the physical labor was around the time more common. Not solely only means the working-hours, but as well such everyday tasks like washing of the clothes, fx. ...Goes then w. mention noting in the same that sugarines on those 'treacles, molasses and jams' were probably digested on healthier, or at least less caloric/fattening form (and/or, w. better accompaniments) than these modern alternatives; Choko-bars, cereals, also the sugarine  drinks.)

; ...Far less was I impressed on fx about the (Standage's view) from that on the prospectable futures the speciation (for certain crops produced on certain areas) would make some neat solutions to the (global) agricultural problems. Certainly is sensible on some aspects. Fx, understandadly appears it quite true and correct it not being reasonable from to cultivate (particularly) water-consuming crops (rice, or tomatoes fx, et sim examples) on generally drier areas/regions, but I find it at least suspectable to also advert an opinion that the transports from other sides of the world would ever make efficient and ecological alternatives for a local production. Also, in comparison, fx, there are lot of places, nowadays increasingly probably, where w. some ages old methods maintained the good results have been achieved, like fx the orchards and 'natural gardens' (That in the Rousseauist sense of that term, and likewise other old 'cultivation systems'). 
 

(; Pic - ...Seed of an Upland Cotton (G.hirsutum). From cotton the major amount of the fabrics in the world today are manufactured. ; Some ot the peculiarities of the 'Columbia exchange' that an other common name of it is  'the Indian cotton', while seems it mentioned by origin not even having grown there. ; ...It's relative easy to grow as an indoor plant even while typically is cultivated at fields on the warmer regions. 'Though, my few sowed plants didn't seem develop any bloomings during our brief summer.(...but then I also learned the aspects usually noted from and about, growing cotton consumes vast amounts water, also needs quite much fertilization - The latter also perhaps reason to that it appears most vulnerable for pests. Formerly at least it was said about 10 per cent from all pesticides used in the world on cotton fields, while it's cultivation areas making only some percents of the total). ; Soforth, historically represents also a most typical example of a plant whose production was brought for an European colonies (and the imported production was directed, already at 19th centurys, to benefit the continents own textile industries.) 
 
; ...Notwithstanding the above said aspects, I'm quite as accustomed for the import fruits, tubers and possibly some other veggies than any northern consumer, but I yet find there's hardly any reason from 'raise flags' on behalf of the meat importment system as any very ecological solutions for wordly problems. Remains it so that, next to the consumption code, the meats on diets make probably the largest climate-stressing entity in the present world.

(Most efficent and easiest, while not the most direct, way to affect on that for the western consumers appears for reducing their visits to that meat-shelf, as I've noted elsewhere. Consumers, the 'subordinate flock', of course are from largest part obligatory to their 'guides' and how the so called 'advisors' act, ...and, say, sometimes you notice also the 'false advisories/beliefs' (...etc.) like we've noted priorly on some occasion.)

; Relating for above said, sometimes of an attention, appears an aspect that almost without exeptions any island (also large ones, like fx the New Zealand, or England) have in during the human pasts suffered more severely of the human overuse of resources, just due because them provided limited resources by origin. ;...So, somehow I find these views unpleasantly comparable for that what seems been noted about that famous capt. Cook (1728-79), who, when the shriek was, aloud, 'Tally ho!' (or maybe the proper words said instead 'Land Ho!'), was by first sight viewing only those originally massive woodlands on that distant island and mostly thought for the masts and timber them would provide for his fleet(s).  (That so, as acc. my readings some of it's ancient original forests (of the NZ, ie) in during the 1800s, or within some past 150 years, were greatly levelled and said reduced of an estimated '...1.6 million hectares to barely 18,420 acres' [...equivalent to about 7.5 thousand hectares, seems it written] ; Hageneder.)  Even if the majority, or not even any larger tracts, from those perhaps weren't in time transferred for fields to the natural lawn-movers, the sheep. (Also, as well is true that during the recent decades times, or about, on ecological literatures seem these 'pasturing methods' been noted to an more eco-savy alternatives for the wasteful livestocks maintenance and/or the massive production units. But also, the transport economy, boats, flights, cars whatsoever vehicles, not anyhow an insignificant whole when thinking the 'ecological burden' of those modern food-production system.) Anyhow, human efforts on agriculture as well tend in time – rapidly or slow - to have long-lasting ecological imprint. The larger any form of production, the larger always are it's sidecauses, ie problems.

However, we have no necessity for dwell only on meats and farming at this (post) only. ; Likewise, as those questions about transports and production, I find fx the references on that 'Malthusian trap'(1) only quite inadequate. ...Considering that island is an island, but globally the dilemma from the human population growth and exhaustement of natural resources are as timely aspects as before still. ; Also, I think that the agricultural failures of the Mao's reforms in the China (at their time) rather merely good-to-know, but during the 1990s most of that already, by conservatives and right-wing voices (...probably, I never actually bother reading them...) has been quite repeatedly presented from and about (On the other hand it's also true that even on the present modern interconnected world, of many parts of the world, sometimes we are surprisingly little aware about some things behind 'the great wall of silence'). Still, famine always is a human tragedy on any sense, and the  stubborn maintenance of the inefficient and unreasonable agricultural methods no defendable by any sense, but why not also devote few words on consequences of an global inequality of this global capitalist world economy? (Although the major direct causes most usually been the wars. But the problems from the inequality always are not very far. The Ethiopia on 1980s probably most well-known example, yet number more recent cases too.)

; ...But also, I think book has many aspects quite thoroughly discussed, so not a bad reading for to get some overall view about the agricultural pasts and foods on human history. (W. the few above noted reservations of mine considering, I mean to say, of course.) Fx the chapters from past agricultural advancements were interesting too (...ao from the 'new food crops' and their acquiring and transfer to the European regions, and elsewhere ie meaning the Columbian exchange, plus fx the invention and development of the modern nitrogen-rich fertilizers since around the turn from 1900s.) ...Even that I don't think about that nearly so positively (than Standage seems to), as I actually think it's usually better to preserve than develop, an aspect that in the world of limited resources can't be enough emphasized. 

 

Yet, in combined also is that on past times some from major questions, ecologically and socially, seems tied for aspects relating what are the best agricultural methods – concerning the uses of farms and fields. Both always demand, more or less, land areas for production and while I think there would be hardly any reasons for to seek for higher yields at our 'developed' regions of world (people already waste so much of the actual foods and provision here in these late-capitalist societies), any culture/country can't escape the agricultural questions as it makes a very constitutional basis of any society. (Like often noted, major political events, such as the early 20^th century's Russian, and -90's Sovjet, revolutions were originally set off by questions of the food...or, merely the lack from it.)  In spite of anything the major question - some that most societies obviously shall face, sooner ot later - is from how to use those limited resources and land more sustainably (merely than how effectively). Unfortunately, the way people usually tend think about agricultures, since long has always been tied for an increase of yields, ie for the larger efficiency and ever enlargening harvests (One from reasons for why we happen in the modern world have so boring environments, the monocultural landscape. Best solution, I think, the more environmental-lasting solutions – the more natural landscape w. trees, bushes, et sim, surrounding/within the human food cultivations. That not so easy and simple as it may seem put on this way, though...) Likewise there are of course number aspects that I on this post only barely mentioned; The mitigation of the agricultural run-off (ie the run-off from fertilizers used, ao nitrgoen) ; And indeed the question about what are the proper agricultural methods concerning the ever enlargened levels of populations at the modern world. And other things, but I believe the production methods closer for the actual natural environment(s) and the adequate protection and care of the environments for only considerable long-term solutions of those.

; Related to above said, Rousseau's times economic thinkers were indeed in perfect knowledge of the society basic principles, when stating the view that commerce, trade and merchants, don't actually produce any value to the society, only agriculture does. Ecologically it's even easier prove, for no other organism except humans in this planet (Earth) trades anything, or has any role for merchandise, they only exchange – or beg, steal, borrow, offer gifts, usurpation even – but not ever trades. (I don't care to look for where I might've stolen that preceding nice view-point on economics.) On the same basis is then also easy conclude that not agricultural (world) market necessary needed follow some system of the commercial pricing, or, I mean, the agricultural goods market in general should be based on some differing principle. At least concerning some of staples/the major crops that should fall under some different system from their pricing. (Would then become necessarily from have some supervision of that system, I don't claim of knowing from what kind or by what standards...). 

 (; Pic - The tomatoes made my most harvestable bunch on summer. Tomatoes also are example about plants w. some long-term human intentional breeding (at pasts and present times). So the variety of these small tomatoes, I grew past summer, named Red Pendulum, seems even praised to  the some of very best varieties. ...Can't disagree, for it was still producing some fruit until the early October colds (...of which time the pic taken. Even that most from the leaves had fallen off priorly). Unlike this in the pic, I had the others grown at the pots on garden greenhouse shed. ;  I used almost solely the organic fertilizers (such as biobact) on them, although, to make sure of their growth also invariably some small amounts of the general ferlizer. The inferior June-season made me worry whether they woould even grow...but were the most successfull of my various cultvations.


; ...And then I also had some other typical cultivates grown, like the squash, potatoes, regular tomatos.; ...The yellow fruit in the pic is a squash (...while didn't produce much, I actually experimented from growing it on a claypot. And noticed that completely possible, but the pot has to be large enough, and needs lot more of fertilization than if culvating it on a ground soil. Even that squash generally need much watering, in pots them consume less, which the typical major advantage on growing at pots. ...-So I guess, even while not too successful, this experiment of mine taught me smtgh.)

(Actually I've said at this quite little, as the scope of agricultures, it's past and the long centuries of its history, seems overally such large and multisided aspect on some few pages like this.) But, b-t-w seems on that Standage's book also written that the referred industrial revolution of Britains (on 1800s) was largely fuelled by the system having rested on Ireland used for some 'agricultural colony'; I-o-w, as a region where workers cultivated potatoes for their own uses, typically at yards or some 'inferior lands', ie: (By the early 1840s) ”…imports from Ireland were supplying one sixth of England's food. […] The English could only keep on eating bread, in short because Irish were eating potatoes. By sustaining irish farm workers, the potato helped fuel the first decades of British industrialization.”)

; Also, I guess, here as elsewhere, nowadays large part on peoples shopping lists also consists from ready-mades and manufactured foods...How surprising then, that those typically represent the least healthy and least tasty stuff of the foods available at sales shops. (Plus acknowledge the unnecesssary packing waste.)

Anyhow, I think the book for quite informative reading, albeit I suppose it useful to view a few other sources as well to acquire a more complete picture from it, all in all. ...Unfortunately I've not any time on that at the moment (And don't know if I would have on any close futures).

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; Like said my major cultivation/gardening hobbies were maintained in the very hobbyist manner, not for any serious effort, or any that kind, etc. I actually meant devote major parts of this post on my experiences about cultivated food plants...but seems that now I happened put so much sentences at that 'introduction', I only place a few descriptions within there pics, here and there.  

 

; (Pic - The flower of an Eggplant (Solanum melongena). It's a plant somehow of slight 'malformed' by looks...but the blooms are actually rather enchanting like on many of the solanum. I didn't expect much from my grown eggplants as them were sowed so late in the Spring (The advice here is to pregrow the seedlings already late from March). But I had some British variety apparently adapted on bit colder climates so, to my surprises, them even produced some fruits. (While not much, and would've not been cultivable unless been grown in the greenhouse. Also, I was obliged use quite much chemial fertizers on them...unlike from many other plants didn't seem noticeably exposuring them for pests attacks. ...Guess on good summer migth've possibly been grown even without those, at the greenhouse, while eggplants need a good amout sunshine and good moisture.)  ; I also grew fx some water-melon and beans, but neither made practically any harvest. ...of eggplant seems it also said them brought to south-Europes already at the 15th century, to a more northern regions considerably later times.  

As I wasn't maintaining any actual subsistence agriculture (2) – while I've grown some crops on that manner too (It's gained popularity in the more recent times here too), my cultivations actually consisted mostly from the principally 'tropical plants' (...by origin.). On many cases – w. my limited experience, sort of 'green thumb in the middle of tongue', all from those didn't make too good harvests. (For example, the maizes and sweet peppers I've simply noted merely rather warm-dependent from growing well here, and I actually only experimented w. them w. a few plants. Also, I noticed both quite demanding grow on this North by solely w. the organic methods I mostly maintained. (...while completely possible.) I've noted maize began cultivated here recently from some amounts also by local farmers and it appears on a good sunny summer possible successfully grow on an open field too. Well, the summer also wasn't very good, albeit not so bad either.

; ...However, a few words about my various spring-/and summertime sowings. I suppose, must have grown from seed nearly some 30 species as the garden-, cultivables-, and indoor-plants, during the past season. Among them were also flowers, decorative/ornamental plants and trees. ...Guess it would make rather normal average for any professional 'entrepreuner' or experienced gardener, but also usually, seems it advised from to select a bit less plants by number for to keep good care from each cultivated. (Well, actually I only offered some 'horses hoofs' for that advice, which might've also been the reason some of my sowings grew rather poorly, or scarcely at all. But was it funny and inspiring, anyway...)

Additinally worth of mention, I discovered this hobby of mine not only laborous, but also for a very limitless source for observations ('The miracle of growth', like my grandfather once said on his very steadfast manner). In short, I had w. these plants many joyous moments only from watching over these during the summery Months. (...Yet, I guess I'll devote my future gardening times on a bit lesser number of species. Just for because I also discovered that each species of plant is a singular 'experiment' - possessing it's own kind of need from care and maintenance, to put that in other words. But indeed, I learned that growing your own plants, for the foods or for some decoratives (fx,) is the way for actual proper understanding about the natural processes, the surrounding life around us all.) ; ...However, it's of course quite important to also take some notice which seeds/species to use on any place, in the home-garden you can cultivate (almost) any sorts of plants, but in the 'open spot' it's wiser to specify on some that are known for usual and common, if not even endemic species to any particular region. (Means, ie some w. somewhat longer cultivations history on one's own areas. Of course multitudes food plants are grown on anyplaces these times.). If we then step to also mention that gardens probably are been the largest source from spread of the harmful and colonising intrusive weeds/plants, I guess we've priorly said enough often from this 'important to know' aspect.

Frankly, growing your own garden-/farming-plants of the seed is rather time-taking in comparison to (nowdays) more usual manner from acquiring prior-grown some, but every manner more rewarding (Of course not all species you can't grow yourself). By growing your own, you are in the direct interactive relation to the land, operating closer the actual origin to our being, the Earth. And no wonder then that the seeds sometimes been so central and lot discussed aspect concerning that global 'agri-world-market', too (Seeds of the food crops and the occasional purported efforts from their global control, would've likely represent an aspect of some additional notices/words. But...for now suffices it to say that there's a lot traditional knowledge, and also one gains some familiarity via fx collecting 'new growth' of one's own sowings. At least from some of them as I do nowadays. (; W-G.)

; ...the 'raider' on this post, guess, would carry the name Climate change/global warming (The more biblical terms, would've been 'hunger' and 'the flood', but these days the former is seen often as some synonyme for both those...so from that reason)  ; (The earlier referred Frog-Beth we now have postpone for a bit too, but wait...).

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; (Some) books ; 
...that were needed on my organic gardening-hobbies

; All are rather good books about gardening (and, fx from herbs presented on prior post). 

(Some might be out-of-print though, I suppose).

Bergen: Uttehagen på knatten – en bok om urter, mat och meget annat. (1973)

Kreuter: Der Biogarten (1988)

Schneebeli-Morrell: Organic crops in pots ; how to grow your own vegetables, fruits and herbs. (2009)

Walfridson: Odla i kruken (1993)

(Hageneder: The Living Wisdom of Trees (about on 2000s)

 (Pic) ; Also I  had some Broccoli planted late summer...but majority of those didn't well take on (during early summer cold, ao reasons). Anyhow I noticed it having the nice flowering stems too...and so we have a pic about bee at this post too...

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(1) ; - Malt-hu-sian [Briefly defined] - '...pertaining to the theories of T.R. Malthus, which state that population tends to increase faster, at a geometrical ratio, than the means of subsistence, which increases at an arithmetical ratio, and that this will result in an inadequate supply of the goods supporting life...' ; Malthus, Thomas Robert (1766-1834), English economist and clergyman. ; (Webster's), -94 ed.

(2 ); - The subsistence agriculture synonom for: 'Subsistence farming' – '1. Farming whose products are intended to provide for the basic needs of the farmer, with little surplus for marketing. ...' (; Webster's)

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; (Pic) 'Bowl' from of Gooseberries...my favorites amongst delicacies our northern berry-bushes at gardens on late summer grow by plenty...

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MSW Book Recommendation #41 ; "Alive! , she cried." or, "an object lesson in civilizations"

 

” 'We won't ruin Mars', said the captain. 'It's too big and too good.'

' You think not? We Earth Men have a talent for ruining big, beautiful things. The only reason not set up hot-dog stands in the midst of Egyptian temple of Karnak is because it was out of the way and served no large commercial purpose. And Egypt is a small part of Earth. But here, this whole things is ancient and different, and we have to set down somewhere and start fouling it up. We'll call the canal the Rockefeller Canal and the Mountain King George Mountain and the sea the Dupont Sea, and there'll be Roosevelt and Lincoln and Coolidge cities and it won't ever be right, when there are the proper names for these places. '

' That'll be your job, as archeologists, to find out the old names, and we'll use them.'

' A few men like us against all the commercial interests.' Spender looked at the iron mountains. 'They know we're here tonight, to spit in their wine, and I imagine they hate us.'

The captain shook his head. ' There's no hatred here …They probably don't mind us being here more than they'd mind children playing on the lawn, knowing and understanding children for what they are. And, anyway, perhaps all this will change us for the better. ...But one day Earth will be as Mars is today. This will sober us. It's an object lesson in civilizations.' ” (; Bradbury; Martian chronicles / Silver locust, p1956)

[Recommendation IV / 2014]

”The Hop-Friend”

(A short-story by Terry Carr) ; p. 1962.

'What you boys would like

us cook up for the following post. ...Some pasta?'

; Only reluctantly did I select this science-fiction short-tail for current sequel on our recommendations(-series). That is said not from this for any substandard story, otherways wouldn't naturally had selected it in the first place. Quite the contrary, I think this particular story from human-alien-contact to some primer of quality. Even that, I have to admit, the scifi never was any my main interest here. Or, the 1900s fiction more generally thought, even.

But, I suddenly noticed we'd actually presented surprisingly little of the scifi here. From our former picks only Le Guin (...Recom 25 in the serie) and Huxley (Recom, 21 and half) seems by some justifications fit for that criteria. Shelley and Lovecraft only...distantly relating if any scifi considered. (; ...Albeit, I suppose we formerly devoted some words on Philip K. Dick too, but seems that particular Recom nowhere here remained. Same concerns the Pierre Boulle's [1912-94] Planet Apes too, a book more popular and better than the vast majority from lot more modern, maybe also more valued books as 'stricktly scifi'...or smtgh.) ; So let this here be some 'lazy' selection now...for it's 'only' a short-story and that selected of not bothering for any scifi novels. Of the same reasons, not many words at this recom.

Even though I've not much too familiar with, or read anyhow overwhelmingly this field-of-literature, seems it that by the earliest - I mean from the early/mid 1900s, - science-fiction was rather much an american phenomenom. At least on basis of my only limited readings from. Of course there were others, and actually a larger number or even majority from those writers perhaps had emigrated. Another P-O-V, I recall had read (...of some place, maybe it was the collection this story picked from) that in the early days there was some sort of division between the science-fiction writers who imagined their futuristic universes inhabited by humans, solely. In other words, in their stories the 'galactic colonization' having begun from the surface of Earth and characters representing solely the boys and girls (...Probably words by Asimov and him as some of the leading representants on that.) And, then (there were) writers who preferred to imagine the galaxies and stars inhabited by most various races and therefore the prevailing theme on the stories naturally was the alien-human contact. That 'trend' or that sort of fictional solutions most represented by Bradbury (...So it's quite natural we have the quote from his famous classic novel here above).

 
; Another interesting question, of course, arising from (many) stories of that latter 'group' likely was the question about alien sex. (Amongst the earthly species, about 99.5 per cent, or more, from the all species contain, stricktly or at least temporarily, male and female sexes. In case from the alien life-forms wouldn't necessary need to be so...but I don't know, it also been a quite fruithful source for stories. Many from the stories also been situated to some projected futures, or as well at the present times but on Earths surface, solely or mainly.)

; Sola, your Alien Connection. Privately.

So, since from my early youth I've not read any science-fiction too enthusiastically or much. In fact, I think that on my later reading days I begun favoring the short-stories and -tales, just because I thought most from the larger (scifi-) novels all too frustrating bother for. Those, sort of, seemed offer nothing much worth any serious interest. Or, too little worth the some 600-800 pages blockbuster megaseller readings. In short, perhaps not so good ideas but lots of the story-telling. Much of a words, but less insight. As much plot-turns and humorism, but really not any important themes, sort of. (It's from the 1960s for more recent days I'm referring by this.) ; Naturally, I've missed a great deal from the better sort of stories, and, of course it's easy think various good exceptions from that above 'judgement'. Enjoyed a lot some Brian Aldiss's stories due their reflected environmental themes/content. Robert Silverberg's some better sort of storiest too. Fritz Leiber (1910-92), R.L.Howard, Doris Piserchia, (likewise Doris) Lessing...and others. Every dog seems had it's day, if I were to consider some of my (limited, yet unmentioned) scifi faves to some definite list (...I don't, of not reading scifi so much, like said before.)

; ...Any favorites selections only would appear some matter of an opinion, of course. Might be noted too the times having also lot changed. After the 1950s, I mean. (If we stop to contemplate on it for moment, that was an era when the belief for (/or dreamings about) some portable mini-reactor powered ash-trays and the nightmarish views from the nuclear total annihilation lived and waltzed at some fruithful co-existence. As both seemed like alternate but still completely realistic prospects from the close near futures to be seen. Thinking it little more carefully, only major difference of that for our present ages being that not bit of faith remains on for such everlasting solutions. Optimistically thinking I'd say we could call that some progress. Maybe the scifi has had its place on that development too. ; ...Anyway, permitted it then a birth of this new genre for literatures, christened for and later better known as science-fiction. (At least that's one way to look at that now.)

;...This particular story by Carr (1937-87) I did enjoy most because it - so much – resembled that 'good old time' science fiction. I fx discovered interesting description from the depicted alien creature, for it clearly had much in common w. the insects usual features. Fx, has the wings, and it sort disappears and reappears much like the Earthly insects usually do. Insect-resemblance of course common and usual feature to most alien creations of fiction, both at the books and cinema. Already the Wells's martians from the late 19^th century have a lot of it, but only on their outer looks. (While maybe the usual comparison is for the amoeban, or squids, from their tentacles in particular.) ; But what's exceptional at the Carr's story, I think, is that those described features are so nicely bound for it's behaviours and general essence. (Of course, that also probably is not so rare as my limited readings would only seem to tell...) 
 

Seems he also written on prewords to that on a story-collection that the idea from how unlike is we'd to have any means of understanding the creatures of an alien planet was a popular idea at the scifi around the time. Quite expetable, or course. But it's actually just the same from the most other animal species we human encounter at this planet (of ours). Their different, from the appearance and mind, just because..them are different species (So I actually think E.R.Burroughs was some ways miles ahead compared to most by imagining his Martian deserts populated from various different races, even if that was quite stereotypically realized.) 
 

Also seems this (discussed) story to contain much of the 'classic elements' on scifi, fx that ever-fruithful problem about alien-man connection (/and that alien sex, even if it's not discussed), the created glass-domes artificial atmospheres over the artificial cities built for Mars, the robots, etc ; ...But also story, partly, seems tied for it's time of writing, fx reflects also the questions/dreams about human search on space from some substites for the planet Earth's declining resources. ...And also, esp. those unforgettable closing sentences at the story.

Every manner good scifi-tale, but that's just about how much space we could dedicate for it on this particular sequel. And may the stories live on. (; W-G.)

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; ...From the rider (of this chapter) I at first thought it should be devoted for the wild animals. ...Just because I could not select any other proper for this 'Hop-Friend', but now I think – these circumstances considered – only suitable rider on this now is The Death. And quite obviously his ride has already 'till now been all too long (...half the centurys quite enough time 'in the rim', as everyone is very well aware about, even without lessons in civilizations.). And may it end as soon as possible. 

; ...About the awful Frog-Beth we are now obliged to announce that despite a greatest demand and curiosity for, not details from her was yet allowed to represent in public (of the safety and hygienic reasons). So, we'll postpone any material we have to the following sequels decorations, etc. But at least you have these couple primadonnas here, for now... 

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