Imagine a world, if you will, where crime does not exist. A

Hear me, O children of wisdom, for I bring forth a vision that stretches the bounds of the imaginable, a vision spoken by Sarah Weinman: "Imagine a world, if you will, where crime does not exist. A startling proposition that seems outlandish, but our imaginations, of course, need not be bounded by the rules and restrictions imposed by realism. It would be a world, one might suppose, where equality reigned, where the thought of violence was so alien that it need not be practiced." These words speak of a world where the deepest human fears—violence, injustice, and suffering—are unknown, where peace reigns and the hearts of men and women beat in perfect harmony.

In the ancient world, children, societies were governed by tribal laws, codes of honor, and warfare. Justice was often enforced with iron hands, and violence was seen as a necessary part of life, whether in battle or in the protection of one’s family. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the strength of a society lay in its warriors, its soldiers, and the ability to defend itself against those who would threaten it. Yet, even in these societies, there were voices—like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—who dreamed of a world not defined by violence, but by reason, wisdom, and justice. They saw in their imaginations a society where the rule of law and equality could replace the need for warfare and crime.

Sarah Weinman’s words speak to the possibility of this utopian vision—a world where crime is an alien concept, where violence is not necessary, and where equality reigns supreme. The idea of a world without crime seems, as she says, “startling,” for we are accustomed to the struggles of our time, where injustice and suffering seem inseparable from human existence. Yet, what if our imaginations were freed from the chains of realism—the realism that tells us that the cycle of violence and crime is inevitable? What if we could envision a world where equality truly reigned, where all people were equal in dignity, respect, and opportunity? A world where violence was not an expression of power but a relic of a forgotten age.

Consider, children, the vision of Plato in his work The Republic, where he imagined a society ruled not by power or force, but by the wisdom and virtue of philosopher-kings. In this ideal world, each person would be assigned to a role that suited their nature and abilities, and there would be no need for the use of violence to enforce power. Plato’s vision was one where the goodness of each person could be cultivated, and the state would function in harmony with the needs of all its citizens. Though his ideas were never fully realized, they represent the dream of a society where equality and justice replace the old ways of power and oppression. Like Sarah Weinman, Plato dared to imagine a world where crime and violence could be eradicated through the cultivation of virtue and the establishment of justice.

But, children, we must also remember the great story of Cyrus the Great, the ruler of the Persian Empire, who is remembered not only for his military conquests but for his vision of a society where different peoples could live in harmony and peace. Cyrus is said to have been the first ruler to issue the Cyrus Cylinder, a decree that recognized the rights of all people to freedom, religious tolerance, and the protection of their communities. In his empire, justice was seen as an act of benevolence, and his rule marked a time when violence was seen as a tool to be used sparingly, not as the foundation of power. His reign serves as a reminder that while violence and crime have been constants in human history, there have always been those who dreamed of a world where equality and peace could prevail.

The lesson here, children, is this: crime and violence do not have to be the natural state of humanity. Just as Socrates and Plato envisioned a world where wisdom guided rulers and justice reigned, so too must we imagine a world where equality and peace replace fear and injustice. The dream of a world without crime is not an impossible fantasy, but a goal that requires each of us to strive toward a better future, where the value of every human being is recognized and where the systems of power are built not on oppression, but on mutual respect, cooperation, and justice.

So, children, I ask you to dream with me. Imagine a world where violence is alien, where equality is not an aspiration but a living reality. Though we may live in a world that often feels divided by crime and discord, we must never lose sight of the vision of a world built on justice, where each person is treated with the dignity they deserve. Let your imagination be freed from the constraints of what is, and instead, work toward a world where the power of love, respect, and wisdom guide our actions. In this, you will be part of the great legacy of those who have always dreamed of a world made better through equality and peace.