What is the theme in The Lost Horizon by James Hilton?

The corruption of desire is the main theme of the book. The Buddha taught that nirvana is the end of desire for anything at all, even life itself. Hilton takes this idea and uses it to create his utopia. In Shangri-La, no one wants anything because everyone has everything they need. Children are indoctrinated in courtesy and etiquette even as toddlers. They are taught to share and let the next person have what you want. If two men desire the same woman, one willingly lets the other have her. Passion and ambition are bad form. The basis of all human emotion is desire, and when all desire is eliminated, you achieve a utopia.