ENFANTIN (Prosper Barthélemy, known as Père Enfantin). - Lot 94

ENFANTIN (Prosper Barthélemy, known as Père Enfantin). Born in Paris. 1796-1864. Social reformer, leader of the Saint-Simonian movement. Autograph manuscript, with printer's annotations. S.l.n.d. [1848]. 9 pp. in-8 Very interesting Autograph Manuscript, prepared for publication, in which Enfantin returns to the teaching law that had just been discussed in the National Assembly. Enfantin returns to the teaching law that had just been debated in the National Assembly. The Assembly ...which has so many times heard the same speeches on the same subject, has again suffered the repetition of the findings of the university and the church, philosophy and religion, pedants and Jesuits. We had hoped that the February revolution would have changed the terrain of combat and weaponry somewhat; but no, it's still the same thing... He deplores the fact that the real questions are not being asked: ...What kind of society are we marching towards, will it be a fighting one or a bigoted one? So let's give it the discipline of the barracks or the cloister; do we want it to be pedantic, adventurous, talkative? Let's cover her in university robes; do you want her to be wanton, licentious or simply libertine? Pass her the little collars and short dresses, she'll do wonders, and Bernis and Parny will be reborn more amiable than ever. So the important thing to know before discussing a law on education is what should be taught, and first of all, what the purpose of education should be. Once these two questions had been resolved, the third, the one we're discussing today, would be resolved very quickly; we'd know perfectly well who should teach, who should direct and supervise teaching..., he's convinced...if the government knew what should be taught, to whom it should be taught, and for what purpose it should be taught, it would be easy for it to assign to the present church and university the role that would rightfully belong to them, for this role would be very minimal, compared to that of the men who would compose the new educational institution, destined to make good farmers, good industrialists and good merchants.... instead, ...As long as France does not take this path, its agriculture will be pitiful compared to that of England, Switzerland and Germany; its industries and merchants will be children next to the English and Americans; and it will be condemned to perpetually hear admirable speeches about the Jesuits and the university...