Robert Owen

Robert Owen is credited with this saying, "All the world is queer save thee and me, and even thou art a little queer."
Robert was a philanthropist and socialist reformer who believed the world would be a better place if children were educated, cared for and encouraged. To discover more about this man who made a difference in the 19th century for the wellbeing of many, visit any of the web sites set out below. His influence and vision continues today.
In 1841 he wrote these words:
"It is therefore, the interest of all, that every one, from birth, should be well educated, physically and mentally, that society may be improved in its character, - that everyone should be beneficially employed, physically and mentally, that the greatest amount of wealth may be created, and knowledge attained, - that everyone should be placed in the midst of those external circumstances that will produce the greatest number of pleasurable sensations, through the longest life, that man may be made truly intelligent, moral and happy, and be thus prepared to enter upon the coming Millennium".
Sadly, Robert had little tolerance for religion, contending that those who practised their beliefs were fanatical bigots and miserable hypocrites, and yet near the end of his life he embraced Spiritualism.
http://www.robert-owen.com/
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/IRowen.htm
http://www.robertowen.org/index.php
http://robert-owen-museum.org.uk/
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/owen.html
http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-owen.htm
http://www.newlanark.org/kids/index2.html