A New View of Society: or, Essays on the formation of the human character preparatory to the development of a plan for gradually ameliorating the condition of mankind

Robert Owen was a Utopian Socialist and writer, a factory manager, owner and avid reformer. He was known for his theory concerning an individual’s character and behaviour and in his opinion; these characteristics were shaped by one’s surroundings and circumstances. He elaborated on such a theory in his volume ‘A New View of Society’. Owen’s views were praised by Karl Marx and the author had a profound influence on the development of modern Socialism. It must be said however that Robert Owen was an unpopular figure amongst many religious denominations and groups. He was a known rationalist and based his actions and opinion on knowledge and reason rather than religion or emotion.