- Has reading about the communities in Reece made you ask yourself a question about either the principles underlying intentional communities or the practical problems they have to solve? Share your question and explain why your reading gave rise to it.
When reading about the communities in Utopia Drive, it is difficult not to wonder what it would take to create a more permanent society. Most of these society’s fail, in a relatively short period of time. Comparatively, America itself has not been established long… it has been only 250 years since we had declared our independence and our country as well as our government will be tested. Many greater nations have lasted centuries longer before their fall. What would it take for the intentional communities mentioned to have a longer lasting impact, and keep the affections of their members from one generation to the next?
In America, it is possible that the lifestyle of many intentional communities would make it difficult to remain faithful over many years. Intentional communities often mean giving up the member’s current way of life. Restrictions in how members live their life can be a frustrating if a belief in the cause is not one hundred percent, and a crack in this foundation can grow immensely. Reece explained how Owen attributed New Harmony’s end with a lack of charity, meanwhile, Warren believed it was how individuals were treated as their individualism was suppressed (134). It is difficult to pinpoint one reason for the end of any society. Warren’s Utopia, what is deemed as a successfully community, ended because it lacked room to grow… However if it truly was so successful, why did members leave at this point? The majority who joined had never owned a house before, and in the end many members left for Minnesota where the land was cheap. This paints Utopia close to a rehabilitation program— a way for members to get back onto their feet.
To create this more permanent society, the member’s beliefs would need to be almost timeless… What is true for the first generation of members would need to remain true to the later, younger generations. I find it sad while reading that many of these communities begin and end so quickly, while many hearts have gone into the work of establishing a community.
“This paints Utopia close to a rehabilitation program— a way for members to get back onto their feet.”
I’ve often wondered that myself. The degree to which this is tied to economic change/downturn/upturn is quite important.