-The Theory of the Four Movements

In this work, Fourier, a utopian socialist, laid out his detailed plan for creating a harmonious society modeled on the Newtonian idea of balanced forces applied to human passions. As an example of his utopian philosophy, Fourier described the fictional land of Harmonia, where people were grouped into colonies of about 1,620 people called phalansteries. These groupings were determined by people’s passions, which Fourier organized into thirteen categories including the five senses, ambition, friendship, love, and parenthood. Individuals living in Harmonia participated in communal work and were allowed to freely pursue their passions. Numerous attempts were made in the United States to implement Fourier’s utopian society, including one in Massachusetts by prominent 19th century newspaper publisher Horace Greeley.