Read the excerpt from Utopia . They find pearls on their coasts, and diamonds and carbuncles on their rocks; they do not look after them, but, if they find them by chance, they polish them, and with them they adorn their children, who are delighted with them . . . This excerpt is most likely More’s reaction to his society’s

The passage contrasts the Utopians’ casual attitude toward precious stones with the importance people often place on jewels. They polish pearls and gems only when they happen to find them, and use them as toys for children rather than as signs of wealth or status. More is most likely criticizing his society’s greed, so the correct choice is greed.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.