Customer Reviews

The New Atlantis

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It had been nearly a century since Thomas More's "Utopia" had been published, and these two classic Age of Reason utopias spurred a revitalized interest in the genre that remains unabaited to this day. However, in proposing science as the ultimate source of human salvation, Francis Bacon and Tomasso Campnaella were taking an approach quite different from More in positing his utopia.

"The New Atlantis" is the philosophical and intellectual utopia envisioned by Francis Bacon. Published in 1627, the year after the author's death by his literary executor, speculation is that Bacon wrote his story in 1623 or 1624, which would be after his fall from political power. Unlike many of his other major works, Bacon wrote "The New Atlantis" in English and then had it translated into Latin, an indication that he intended it for a wider, English-speaking audience. Bacon focuses on the duty of the state toward science, and his projections for state-sponsored research anticipate many advances in medicine and surgery, meteorology, and machinery. Although "The New Atlantis" is only a part of his plan for an ideal commonwealth, this work does represent Bacon's ideological beliefs. The inhabitants of Bensalem represent the ideal qualities of Bacon the statesman: generosity and enlightenment, dignity and splendor, piety and public spirit.

Bacon breaks from Plato, Aristotle and other ancient writers by insisting that humans do not need to aspire to fewer desires because the extraordinary advances of science would make it possible to appease bodily desires by providing material things that would satisfy human greed. For Bacon there is no reason to waste time and energy trying to get human beings to rise to a higher moral state. In his conception of Solomon's House we see the what Bacon the scientist envisioned for the future of human knowledge in an unfettered intellectual setting. It is easy to see the modern research university is the utility of Bacon's great college. Ultimately, Bacon clearly sees the advances of science as the best way of increasing humanity's control over nature and providing for the comfort and convenience of all people, and England's Royal Society and similar organizations dedicated to scientific progress are generally regarded as embodying Bacon's utopian vision.

Tomasso Campanella was a Calabrian monk who published "The City of the Sun" in 1623, a utopian vision that certain reflects the idealism and revolutionary trends of thought in the Age of Reason. Campanella was a student of logic and physics who formulated the first scientifically based socialistic system, which makes "The City of the Sun" important because it serves as the model for all subsequent ideal communities. The earliest version was written in Italian in 1602, and was later revised in an abbreviated Latin version two decades later. It is this Latin version, which is better known, that is provided here, although the Italian work was published posthumously in 1637.

The tale here is told by a sea captain who has visited an island called Taprobane (quite possibly Sumatra). He tells of finding a land where there is community property, labor is divided equitably among the people, and there is no need for money. In "The City of the Sun" all of the inhabitants work towards the common good, entrusting their government to the wisest and ablest among them, and prizing equality and self-sacrifice for the sake of the community above all. The system is so efficient that all work is completed in a four-hour work day. The influences of not only Sir Thomas More but Plato is clearly seen in this utopian vision, especially in the notion of scientifically controlling breeding.

However, like More, Campanella discourses on the topics of religion, justice, and war. The religion of the City of the Sun is clearly Christianity, but with sun figures representing God in the temples and the clergy being pure in their conduct (remember, Campanella lived the monastic life). The head of the government is called Hoh, and his chief ministers are Pon (Power), Sin (Wisdom), and Mor (Love). Clearly the Hoh (which means metaphysics) is fashioned after Plato's philosopher-king, since he has to know all of the sciences, as well as metaphysics, theology, and the history of all kingdoms and their governments. Science is what drives this utopia (which comes from Telesius rather than Plato), which develops power-propelled ships and flying machines, and which will create the ideal world Campanella envisions.

The obvious comparison is between the utopias of Campanella and Bacon, but the former goes much farther is developing his seven-sided city than the latter, where Bacon is concerned primarily with emphasizing the duty of the state to foster scientific research. However, both utopias underscore the idea that science will solve the evils of this world. These early utopias do not usually receive as much consideration as the dystopian novels of the 20th century, but the works of Campanella and these others certainly represent the utopian ideal in its purest form.

I haven't read the Esquire edition, but I nevertheless would strongly suggest the regular edition. It might be interesting what someone else added to Bacon's work after the fact, but you should really read the original Bacon first.

As for the real New Atlantis, it is a great read, but it will only really make sense in combination with the New Organon. In NO, Bacon discusses his new scientific method and how it is to be carried out; in NA, he provides an idealistic society who is carrying out that method.

Hmm, this is interesting. Despite the convoluted prose I was able to plow through this in a couple days (it's less than 50 pages long). The cover and all looks cheap on this edition but it's the content that counts, and the content is interesting. NEW ATLANTIS posits an alternate history for America and is intended to supply an example of a Utopian, scientifically overachieving society. It's an interesting look at the philosophy, symbolically expressed, of a man considered a great "rational" philosopher. Not bad.

This is Francis Bacon's model for America. Many believe it is the vision of the ancient spiritual adepts. Fascinating reading and most provoking.

The significance of this book speaks for itself to the knowledgeable reader. This edition , in hardcover, is the one I am glad I purchased. The Foreword is very informative and the appendix is useful with respect to an issue related to pagination in the contemporary edition. The typestyle which appears to be some sort of typewriter Courier font detracts and gives it a "term paper" feel. In this age of web publishing, there is no excuse for not using a more pleasant, and professional looking font. Nevertheless, overall an excellent version for the serious student.

This is a very short text: 85pp for the two pieces, plus an intro. Each piece gives a brief description of one thinker's ideal world, a Utopia of a sort. This book is strengthened by presenting two such different views, casting them into sharp contrast.

The first, by Bacon, makes much of pomp, ceremony, and fine accoutrements. He starts by describing the wonderful pageant put out for any man whose living descendants exceed thirty in number. He is paraded among and served by his issue, and granted gifts by the benevolent ruler. At this point - only at this point - is a woman of the realm mentioned. His wife, should she have survived such a feat of childbearing, is to be presented as well, in a carriage, tightly enclosed. A featureless box, the best to which a woman might aspire. (Bacon goes out of his way to disparage More's Utopia, in an amusing aside.)

The remainder of the story details the alchemical feats and workshops of the land. They interested Bacon much the way a candy store might interest a child, with no thought as to how they might be provisioned or staffed. Although the many labs are of interest to today's technologist, the country's means of feeding itself and its voracious researchers remains unsaid.

Campanella's "City of the Sun" is a Utopia of very different character. Above all, it focusses its energies on war more than any other city since Sparta. He demands training in arms for men and women both from the earliest age on, though women would enter combat only in final resort. Even the infirm are put to service however they may serve: the lame can watch and guard, the blind can work in some crafts, and so on. Women are expected to participate in industry, too, except in the woodworkers' and armorers' trades. This city is surprisingly free in religion - Jews are tolerated, if not too jewish, as well as Brahmins and others who acknowledge a soul. Hey, in those days, it was radical.

Both authors express ideas that repulse a modern mind. Even Campanella's enlightened treatment of women and religious minorities sounds brutal, until considered in the context of his time. Bacon's blinkered self-involvement would barely be worth a chuckle, until one considers his influence on history.

It's not formal, but it's a way to view history: what is it that each age most wanted itself to be? What views existed, and what views have survived? And how did the writers of each age differ from the man in the street, or more likely the man behind the plow?

//wiredwierd

Its a short book, and ends unfinished. Yet for a days worth of reading, you can find a lot of inspiring ideas.

I loved this book. It tied so much together for me regarding the mystery schools. If you are an esoteric fanatic like me, then this must be added to your collection.

This is a fascinating read and my favorite of all Bacon's writings.

I've thought for a long time that Amazon should have separate Star Ratings. There should be one for the Quality of the Edition reviewed, but there should also be one on the material.

In regards to this Edition, I thought it was perfectly fine. The Introduction was interesting enough that I briefly researched the American Utopian Societies that were mentioned on pages vi & vii. I had no idea that America had such a rich history in Utopian experimentation. This Edition is a fine one to use as far as I'm concerned.

In regards to the Material, I hate to say that I was completely unimpressed with Bacon's "New Atlantis." It is only 40 pages long, and ends up being about 38 pages of build-up for 2 pages of a disappointing philosophy (give or take a little). Essentially, Bacon's Utopia is one that is distinguished by Scientific Endeavor. Reminds me of the Scientific Societies propounded by Bertrand Russell and the like. Society hinges upon Knowledge in studies such as Agriculture, Architecture, Medicine, Invention, Music, Biology, and Warfare (of all things?). There is a strange obsession with creating Chimeras- plants and animals alike. I gather that this is a Scientific Dictatorship considering Bacon's Utopia has forbidden "impostures and illusions"- which is a subjective assertion. There is also the concealing of Knowledge of those things that should be kept secret. As to who decides what Knowledge is concealed and as to why begs a question eternally unanswered.

In regards to Campanella. Vomit. Or I suppose there would not be Vomit in Campanella's Utopia because the human race will have perfected itself to the point that there will no longer be vomit or even flatulence (his words not mine). Seriously.

Campanella is a Tyrant and I mentally throw him into my pile of Socialist failure. The "City of the Sun" is a fortified city full of impenetrable temples and palaces. It is ruled by a High Priest, Hoh (aka Metaphysic), who is chosen by the Teachers of Society because only they have the ability to know who is best suited for leadership- an Intellectual Dictatorship. He has 3 princes who assist him in decisions and they are Power, Wisdom, and Love. Feeling a little "Animal Farm" about now?

They claim to be Christian, yet they rely heavily upon Astrology, Judaism, Islam, and the Hindu god Brahma. There is also a little Pantheism for those who choose to worship the Sun as Father and Earth as Mother.

Society runs as so....There is no family unit. There is no private property. "Breeders"- the word that he actually uses- are chosen to procreate. The State names each child a Scientific name according to their personality traits. Pregnant women are kept at their own palace where they breastfeed and render children until 2 years of age. At that time, children are taken into dormitories for education. At 12 years old, military service begins- boys and girls alike. They are always Victors at war except when they aren't victors, then they feed their loser soldiers to the beasts. The State chooses the profession of each member. People are to be bred exactly like horses and cattle. Self-love is to be abandoned, leaving only the love for the State.

There is to be no gift-giving of any kind. The magistrates know all and will give according to each as they arbitrarily (my word) see fit. They are to call each other "brother", "father", "son", etc...like in some similar modern Cult societies "comrade".

In this magical world that negates human nature, there will be no crime, jealousy, or envy. Yet, anyone undergoing punishment...for not committing a crime of course (?)...will be denied necessities until they have been determined to agree with their correction. Sounds like a re-education camp. Only women are allowed to make music. Everyone eats their meals together communally, where you are not allowed to conversate, but must listen to an elder read.

People are perfect. Except for those women who choose to wear makeup or high-heel shoes who will receive Capital Punishment for doing so. Oh yes, and they hate the Japanese. Everyone will only work 4 hours a day and the rest of the day will be used in study or physical sport. Everyone must swim. You are allowed to drink alcohol at the age of 10. Bathing in wine and miracle medicinal treatments like "bleeding" can ensure some to live to the age of 200! There are no prisons nor attorneys. In disagreements- each man must represent himself. Then they must kiss and makeup afterwards. I am not making this up! Hoh (Metaphysic) has the ability to pardon all of their sins- and one individual offers himself a human sacrifice for their collective sins to God.

"The race is managed for the good of the commonwealth and not of private individuals, and the magistrates must be obeyed." Yet, Campanella has the audacity to say this is a society dedicated to Liberty. Collectivism always finds a way to distract its bite.