British socialist Robert Owen (1771-1858) contributed to Humanist thought by arguing that improved personal circumstances would strengthen character. He believed that people were naturally good, but corrupted by harsh treatment. Through his own experiments in the textile factories he owned, Owen noticed that enhancing the environment of his workers resulted in increased productivity and profit. At a time when the common practice was for children as young as 5 years old to work, he refused to employ children under the age of 10 and built schools. Owen also opposed the use of physical punishment in schools and factories. He wrote books encouraging other business owners to follow his example. Contrary to the warnings he received from critics, his business was still profitable and he reasoned that the improvement of everyone's personal environment would result in the general advancement of humankind.
Robert Owen was also active in forming trade unions, and giving speeches. He angered many people in his criticism of the Church of England. He argued that he was creating a "new moral world, a world from which the bitterness of divisive sectarian religion would be banished".
Continued in Part 6B. References for both parts cited at the end of Part 6B. A special thank you to Ed Buckner and associates of the Council for Secular Humanism for assisting me with this article.
