SaintSimonists

The Saint-Simonists were followers of the ideas of French utopian socialist Henri de Saint-Simon. Emerging in the 1820s and 1830s, they formed a distinct intellectual and social movement that sought to reform society based on principles of industrial organization and scientific progress. Key figures beyond Saint-Simon himself included Barthélemy Prosper Enfantin, Saint-Amand Bazard, and Gustave d'Eichthal.

The Saint-Simonists believed that society was progressing towards a more rational and equitable state, driven by industrial advancement. They advocated for a hierarchical social structure led by scientists, industrialists, and artists, who would work for the betterment of all. They envisioned the abolition of inheritance and the redistribution of wealth to support public works and social welfare. Their ideas encompassed a critique of the existing social order, particularly its inequalities and perceived idleness of the aristocracy.

The movement gained considerable traction, attracting a diverse following. They established educational institutions and published influential journals to disseminate their doctrines. However, internal disagreements, particularly concerning leadership and the role of women, led to fragmentation. While the organized movement eventually declined, Saint-Simonian ideas profoundly influenced later socialist thinkers, economists, and even the development of sociology. Their emphasis on industrial planning and social reform left a lasting mark on intellectual history.