Utopian Socialism

Utopian socialism is the opposite of most other kinds of socialism - for example Marxism, in that it seeks to bring about change NOT by revolution, control, power, domination, chaos or anarchy, force or violence, but by peaceful ‘bottom up’ change through mutual agreement of those involved or affected.

1.        The problem or problems to be solved are clearly stated as ‘design’ goals – measures by which one can judge one’s success [or not].  These goals must never change.  If a change is requested, a new utopia must be formed with new solutions.

2.       One or more people come up with a solution or solutions to the stated problem, which are first discussed in the group to ensure the solution is ethical, rational, solves the problem and hurts no one.  In other words they envision what their ideal solution would be in response to the problem[s]

3.       All those who think that the solution is ideal for them then have the responsibility to implement it and live it – actually put it into practise.  In a sense this is a very small feasibility study. For example, if they think 'rewilding' is a good idea, then they can only rewild property they own.  

4.       The group have the responsibility of implementing it and living with it. Only by DEMONSTRATION may they encourage others to join in at the grass roots level. In other words, no force, no revolution, no violence, no power hungry leaders, just a demonstration of feasibility.  They can explain but not ‘sell’ and they must hurt no one in the process.  Those who believe in the idea, implement it and live it.

5.       Those who become interested are given the objectives [problems to be solved that were formed when the group was formed], in order that they can assess and measure the results against these goals.  The advantage is that all those in the group have a motive to make it work for them because they believe in it, but they too can simply leave if they think the whole thing is a failure or start new groups.

6.       There is no king or prime minister or president, but a parliament formed of nominated representatives from each group that is responsible for identifying any group wide services that might benefit all the utopias, and ensuring the service is provided without hurting any other group in the process.  The execution of any multi-utopia project is by the people in that utopia, and no on else may be co-opted or forced into providing help, unless they decide they too would like the service suggested. 

7.       There is an ‘army’ or ‘police force’ made up from nominated representatives from each utopia, that is charged with ensuring the rules aren't being broken - imposition of systems on others, or removal of functioning utopias by those seeking power etc

8.       The feasibility study ends if it has no members ; and the solution is publicised as a failure.  Only if the solution/ feasibility study has survived several years is it allowed to grow beyond its original members although questions can be asked at any time and its workings demonstrated or watched.

The approach is intended to be the opposite of globalisation and should provide far more equality as a consequence.  The approach also means we can have any number of different sorts of mini utopias all over the world, each solving problems that are effectively both global and local. [Note that it could lead to diversity of cultures almost equal to those of a golden age - villages of culture and co-operation, removing loneliness at a stroke.]
Very important is that there is NEVER any imposition of an idea on others and that solutions may only be demonstrated NEVER imposed, advertised or enforced.  Those who originated the solution MUST lead by example; if they fail, the solution is marked a failure.

Antoni Gaudi, the architect and designer, was a supporter of ''Utopian socialism''. And although he failed to set up a designed commune with his own houses [simply because it was an imposed solution], he succeeded with a virtual utopia of skilled craftsmen who eventually worked together to build the Sagrada Familia, one of the most innovative and breath-taking cathedrals in the world, a place of stunning beauty.