People can become misanthropic for two reasons: hatred and cynicism from birth or disappointment with what they have seen (Bullit 3). Jonathan Swift's misanthropic tendencies stem from disappointment in the people of the time and are reflected in Gulliver's Travels (Bullit 3). In Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver recounts the events in a scientific travelogue; just like the ones the Royal Society of Dublin encouraged people to maintain, satirizing the travels funded by the Royal Society of Dublin (Higgit Gulliver's Travels). More specifically, misanthropy is displayed and satire is employed when Swift writes about Gulliver's journey to Laputa (Litt and Mohler). All the scientific and artistic advances of early 18th century Europe are satirized in Laputa. Europe, according to Swift, and Laputa are characterized by a highly intelligent population, but a non-functional society (Litt and Mohler). The fifth and sixth chapters use less hyperbole and pure satire than the other sections; explaining the extraction of solar rays from cucumbers in the Great Academy of Lagado (Gulliver's Travels). Swift uses Laputa's characteristics to satirize and criticize society. Jonathan Swift was born on 30 November 1667, during a period when Ireland was assimilating into the United Kingdom (Canny 1565). Due to the political and social struggles of the time in Ireland, Swift's mother struggled financially during childhood and had poor health, caused by an ear problem. Swift's mother gave Jonathan to his uncle in hopes of a better future. Under his uncle's care, Jonathan Swift attended high-quality, wealthy schools and universities. However, the harsh childhood Swift experienced kept his ideas down to earth (Biography of Jonathan Swift). Jonathan Swift's past is seen in Gulliver's Travels instead of the upper-class scientist mentality of others of the time