Work, Freedom and Reciprocity in William Morris' News from Nowhere

Abstract

Some have held that William Morris’s idea of socialist freedom is a Trojan Horse for repressive tolerance, others that a celebration of physical violence is hidden within it. Contrary to these Cold-War-style narratives, this article vindicates Morris’s vision of a communal system of fellowship and reciprocity as the conditions of any true freedom; we cannot be free all alone, but only together. The very bounds of reciprocity and fellowship make work, development, and freedom possible. Only in such a communal system could work become the true source of satisfaction, contentment and fulfilment, rather than of pain and compulsion, and afford every individual the possibility of developing his or her capacities to the highest point.