“Transforming the economy: Saint-Simon and his influence on Mazzini”

In this paper the main topics of Saint-Simon’s thought are reviewed, with special at- tention to his conception of social classes and hierarchies, his notion of capitalist leadership, and his foreseeing of the future fabric of society. In Italy, however, rather than the master’s thought, it was his disciples’ ideas that became widespread throughout the Risorgimento years. In particular, Giuseppe Mazzini rejected the ma- terialistic foundation of Saint-Simonism, but accepted its critique of classical politi- cal economy, which Mazzini identified with selfishness and excessive competition. A parallel critique of utilitarianism is part of Mazzini’s thought.