16 Facts About Utopian socialism

Utopian socialism is the term often used to describe the first current of modern socialism and socialist thought as exemplified by the work of Henri de Saint-Simon, Charles Fourier, Etienne Cabet, and Robert Owen.

Utopian socialism is often described as the presentation of visions and outlines for imaginary or futuristic ideal societies, with positive ideals being the main reason for moving society in such a direction.

Later socialists and critics of utopian socialism viewed utopian socialism as not being grounded in actual material conditions of existing society.

Utopian socialism socialists believe that people of all classes can voluntarily adopt their plan for society if it is presented convincingly.

Utopian socialism socialists were seen as wanting to expand the principles of the French revolution in order to create a more rational society.

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Term utopian socialism was introduced by Karl Marx in "For a Ruthless Criticism of Everything" in 1843 and then developed in The Communist Manifesto in 1848, although shortly before its publication Marx had already attacked the ideas of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon in The Poverty of Philosophy .

Marx and Engels used the term scientific Utopian socialism to describe the type of Utopian socialism they saw themselves developing.

Utopian socialism described how the tensions between the productive forces and the modes of production would lead to the downfall of capitalism through a social revolution.

Utopian socialism's reputation grew when he set up a textile factory in New Lanark, Scotland, co-funded by his teacher, the utilitarian Jeremy Bentham and introduced shorter working hours, schools for children and renovated housing.

Utopian socialism wrote about his ideas in his book A New View of Society which was published in 1813 and An Explanation of the Cause of Distress which pervades the civilized parts of the world in 1823.

Utopian socialism set up an Owenite commune called New Harmony in Indiana.

Utopian socialism thought industrial development turned human existence bland and left people unstimulated.

Utopian socialism imagined small communities called Phalanstere which would contain workshops, libraries, and even opera houses.

Utopian socialism envisioned people of many different passions coming together to complete tasks they had to carry out.

Utopian socialism wrote that humans would form friendships with wild animals and have friendly anti-tigers carry people around on their backs.

Utopian socialism's writings often led to people thinking he was a mad man.