ABSTRACT
The sixteenth century was in general a period of heightened awareness of education indicated by the fact that the greatest scholar of the period, Desiderius Erasmus, and the most charismatic, Martin Luther, gave it their close scrutiny and support. Changes in the Catholic faith necessary to sustain the new situation soon came, although in Henry's reign, until his death in 1547, these were relatively minor. The peoples of Utopia are organized into an appropriate number of balanced occupations, divided between rural and urban activities, sharing their production in common. In many respects their lives are abstemious, even ascetic, and they avoid many of the vices that afflict society: gambling, idleness, usury, vanity and cosmetics, for example. The educational activities of the society immediately become apparent when leisure is considered. Utopia is concerned with all the activities requisite for a balanced, equitable society, and it is abundantly clear that success depends on an enlightened citizenry.
