The Aristotelian notion that the most important of all goods should be the object of political association is no longer credible to most Spaniards and other Europeans. The cup of public patience has run over due to the ignominious behavior of too many political leaders who, entrenched behind their immorality, remain cynically trapped in a cycle of shamelessness. The disarray of their governance, the pettiness of their corruption, the shortsightedness of their vindictiveness, the ideological confusion of their political correctness, and their lack of moral leadership are, among many other factors, sources of unease.

The profound uncertainty surrounding the future of many things important to citizens increases the distress of a society weary of politicians and disaffected with the common good. Does this situation allow us to say that we are living in one of those critical epochs of which Saint-Simon (1760-1825) spoke? For this precursor of modern sociology, an “organic” epoch—one that rests on a well-established system of beliefs—is succeeded by a “critical” one because the very progress achieved in the organic epoch causes, at a certain point, a shift in the central idea upon which it was anchored, thus marking the beginning of a critical epoch.

It would be simplistic to affirm the critical nature of our historical moment based solely on the points outlined above. But even if that were not the case, the warnings of this French philosopher, historian, and politician should not be ignored. While advocating for a more harmonious and just organization of social life and predicting the future existence of a general parliament that would decide on the common interests of all Europe, he foresaw a new political order in which power would be entrusted to the technical and productive class, without which a nation becomes a soulless body.

If the ability to foresee the future, to be innovative, and to motivate others to work toward a shared goal constitute the essential characteristics of a visionary, there is no doubt that Saint-Simon was one regarding industrial society and technocracy. He was ahead of his time in recognizing that the progress of science and technology would entail a significant social transformation, since, by contributing his knowledge to the development of large-scale industry, it would substantially change the foundations of society, fostering its progress and social well-being. Moreover, he powerfully influenced public opinion regarding the impact of the advances in that knowledge.

Believing that these events were simply a consequence of the inexorable evolution of the human spirit, this philosopher sought to shift the focus away from the prevailing individualism of his time and thus illuminate new territories for solidarity and collective consciousness. In this sense, he accurately predicted the coming of “a time when all the peoples of Europe will feel the need to regulate matters of general interest before descending to national interests.” His conviction foreshadowed the current European Union, which has represented an innovative model of peace and political coexistence among traditionally antagonistic peoples.

But can we be sure that he will also be right about the future emergence of a social reorganization based on production and efficiency? The idiosyncrasies of the political class may make this option of a scientific organization of society, as proposed by Saint-Simon, unfeasible, or even inconvenient, but there is no doubt about the urgent need for the new leaders of nations to strengthen their competence in public affairs with a high degree of appropriate training and proven morality.

The frivolity of some, the self-interest of others, and the irresponsibility of many have forced us to forget that, beyond individual and partisan interests, what must always prevail in political life is the achievement of harmonious coexistence. The loss of a suitable political horizon in our time urgently requires multiple contributions that, whether in accordance with Saint-Simon’s dream or in disagreement with it, are aimed at correcting the decline of the environment in which we live.

Pedro Paricio

Source:  dametresminutos