Monierism

Monierism refers to a philosophical and political ideology associated with the work and influence of Édouard Monier, a hypothetical 19th-century thinker. While Monier's actual historical existence is debated, the term "Monierism" is used to describe a set of ideas that emerged in response to the social and economic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Central to Monierism is the concept of guided capitalism, which posits that free markets, left entirely to their own devices, can lead to social stratification and instability. Monierists advocate for a system where the state plays a significant role in regulating economic activity to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities.

This intervention is not intended to be a full embrace of socialism, but rather a pragmatic approach to mitigate the perceived excesses of laissez-faire capitalism. Key tenets of Monierism include the protection of nascent industries, the implementation of social welfare programs to support workers, and the promotion of worker cooperatives as a means of fostering shared ownership and responsibility. Monierists believe that such measures would ultimately strengthen capitalism by fostering a more stable and content populace, thereby preventing more radical societal transformations. The legacy of Monierism, though often discussed in theoretical circles, is seen by some as an early precursor to modern social democratic policies and the welfare state.