Contrasting the Influences of History and Idealism

In 'How To Read A Book' Mortimer Adler claims: 'Satires and pictures of philosophical utopias have little effect [on the actions of men]; we would all like the world to be better, but we are seldom inspired by the recommendations of authors who do no more than describe, often bitterly, the difference between the real and the ideal. History, which tells us of the actions of men of the past, often does lead us to make changes, to try to better our lot.'

I disagree with this statement. History certainly influences and inspires men. It serves as an example, a reliable guide and framework. It provides valuable insights into the nature of mankind. The knowledge of the past, of the things that have gone before, aids us in living the present and progressing into the future. But I think that to say that philosophical utopias and descriptions of idealistic worlds seldom do the same is an enormous mistake. (Although, perhaps the statement may be somewhat accurate when it comes to satires.) Communism, a massive movement that controlled much of the world not long ago, is based on an ideal utopia - and almost certainly drew on Thomas More's book, (which I do not, by the way, condone.) It was a thing that had never been done before, an idea, a philosophical utopia. It was a dream of equality among mankind, something that has never before succeeded. It was not inspired by history. The French Revolution is another example. So is James Oglethorpe's Georgia experiment. Even the early Christians of the New Testament were giving their lives, not for anything that really had to do with history, but for an idea - a utopia, (though definitely separate from the rest of its kind, in that it was the 'real thing' in a manner of speaking.) Ideas that haven't been tried before are appealing to men. They are stronger than the mere remembrance of the actions of the men of the past.

I'm not exactly sure why Adler said what he said, or exactly what he meant by it. He is a very intelligent, educated man, and I respect him immensely, but I still question this.

What do you think?