The learned men of Utopia are given to disputing over various questions of moral philosophy, but their chief concern is in trying to determine the source and nature of happiness. The prevailing opinion among them is that pleasure is the basis of that happiness.
They seldom engage in philosophical discussions without introducing religious considerations into their speculations. One of the beliefs at the heart of their religion is that man's soul is immortal and that it is subject to the punishments of hell for vicious acts and to the rewards of heaven for a life of virtue. A definition of virtue that is commonly accepted among their philosophers is living according to the laws of nature. Reason serves as a guide toward the goal of conformity to nature's rule. It is reason, they say, that counsels first of all a reverence for Divine Majesty, and next that we keep our minds free from passion. Finally, reason directs that we strive to promote the happiness of all persons. Though nature prompts people to seek pleasure as a goal of life, it also sets limits to that purpose, namely in the avoidance of acts depriving others of their pleasures. Furthermore, they believe that to deprive oneself of pleasure for the benefit of others' pleasure produces a satisfaction constituting a new kind of pleasure, a pleasure of the mind.
Every action or condition, whether of body or of mind, which nature provides for our delight is defined as pleasure, but to distinguish between true and false pleasures, we call upon reason. Among false pleasures, in their opinion, are pride in fine clothes, pride in "nobility" of lineage, and pride in property and jewels. They also regard hunting as a false pleasure and, likewise, games of chance.
