Saint-Simon, Comte de, << san see MAWN, kawnt duh >> (1760-1825), was an early figure in French socialism. His ambition was to better humanity. He wanted to bring about a new society in which all people would have to work and would receive rewards equal to their labor. No person would be allowed to inherit wealth, and all individuals would start life on an equal basis. Saint-Simon wanted to base his social theories on scientific evidence, but actually his conclusions were unsystematic.
Saint-Simon was born on Oct. 17, 1760, in Paris. He went to America in his youth and fought in the Revolutionary War. Saint-Simon took no active part in the French Revolution, though he welcomed it. His given and family name was Claude Henri de Rouvroy. He died on May 19, 1825.
