This section of Book I is treated in the form of a debate in which More and Giles argue that every man of wide experience and personal integrity has an obligation to play an active role in the service of his country and to attempt, to the fullest extent of his powers, to ameliorate the human condition. Hythloday's response takes up most of the remainder of Book I.
Hythloday's case constitutes a survey of, and an attack upon, the entire social and governmental system in Europe generally and in England most specifically.
