Utopia by Thomas Moore: "You wouldn't abandon ship in a storm just because you couldn't control the winds."

Thomas Moore was born on 28th May in 1779 in Dublin. He was the eldest as well as being the only son to Catholic parents. His father was a prosperous grocer, his mother an intelligent, creative woman that fostered and encouraged his artistic ability. Together they gave Thomas a confidence and a good education at private schools in England. At that time Catholics were denied equal rights, with no vote and certainly were not allowed to attend the best schools in Ireland. However, Thomas talent was recognised early with the publication of his first poem in a Dublin newspaper at the age of 14. By 1794 Catholics had obtained more rights and this meant that Thomas was able to attend the reputable Trinity College Dublin where his parents wanted him to study to become a lawyer.