I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 228

Becoming a Genius of the French Royal Family Episode 228: The Fire Isn’t Only in the Neighbor’s House (228/355)

The Fire Isn’t Only in the Neighbor’s House

Communism is generally divided into pre-Marx and post-Marx eras.

Before Marx properly established the theory, communism was, frankly speaking, nothing more than excessive idealism.

Intellectuals criticized it as a pipe dream or fantasy, and Marx himself worked tirelessly to distinguish his theory from theirs.

He drew a line between previous socialisms, labeling them as utopian socialism, and his theory as scientific socialism.

This was inevitable because early 19th-century socialism was too utopian, and its limitations were clear.

Of course, those who advocated this theory were not mere dreamers, but, frankly speaking, their social influence was not significant.

Even though two of the three major figures of early 19th-century communism were born in France, there was a reason why I wasn’t overly concerned.

The same goes for England.

Although Robert Owen is one of the leading figures of utopian socialism, he wasn’t the hardcore communist that modern people might imagine.

In fact, he was closer to a progressive businessman who wanted to ensure a good working environment.

But looking at how things were going, something felt off.

After synthesizing the reports from ambassadors and spies secretly planted in England, it was clear that this was going beyond the scope of a simple labor movement.

The scent of so-called ‘red flavor’ was too strong.

“Madam, have you recently come into contact with people using terms like communism or socialism?”

“Communism? It seems to be a topic of great interest these days. I was asked about it a while ago; apparently, it’s causing quite a stir in England.”

Marie had more frequent contact with citizens and ordinary nobles than I did recently.

I asked just in case, but it seems that the idea had already taken root.

“Who is it? Who said that?”

“Let me see… I think it was Count Saint-Simon. Oh, and someone said something similar when I went to listen to the workers’ grievances the other day. I remember being introduced to Charles Fourier, who said he knew Danton and Robespierre.”

“Saint-Simon and Fourier… I see.”

I figured that the names of two of the three major figures of early 19th-century communism would start to be heard soon.

There’s no way they wouldn’t be stimulated by how noisy things were in England.

“So, what did they say?”

“They were saying a lot of things. Although it has become a much freer era than before, the minority of bourgeois [the middle class] are ultimately monopolizing this freedom. Don’t you think we need a slightly better socio-economic structure? Wouldn’t a life where workers are liberated from capital be happier? That’s what I remember for now.”

“So, what did you say?”

“I agreed that the treatment of workers should be improved. After going there myself, I couldn’t honestly say that it was an environment where they could work with satisfaction, even as a formality.”

“Well, that’s obvious. I’m going to properly revise the labor law sector, which has been insufficient until now. It’s already in legislative discussion.”

No matter how much my France has the slogan that communism is not allowed, it won’t work if I just crack down on it.

Above all, if I over-repress, a backlash will inevitably occur somewhere in the structure of society.

This is because people are basically creatures with inherent sympathy for the weak.

No one understands this except me, who knows the rise and fall of 20th-century communism and the harm of the Cold War.

From that point of view, Thatcher in England, who is trying to suppress even the smallest signs of communism, is a bit short-sighted.

It was also a sign of how deeply the capitalists of England had begun to intervene in the political world.

“If we create a minimum stable environment for workers, their dissatisfaction will definitely subside a lot. But shouldn’t we also consider the dissatisfaction of people who run businesses? Of course, there will be a lot of complaints. Competitiveness will also drop a little.”

“That’s right.”

There are many reasons why I haven’t actively improved the working environment so far, but one of them is the problem that Marie pointed out.

I didn’t get a doctorate in economics, so it was difficult to calculate the intensity of labor that suits this era.

I can’t maintain a system that makes people unable to breathe, as was done in the 18th century.

But I can’t guarantee 40 hours a week in this era.

Even the most liberal capitalism in the 21st century United States would be seen by the capitalists of this era as nothing more than hardcore commies.

So, it is necessary to gradually ease and strike an appropriate line and balance according to the times.

To do that, research and step-by-step experimentation are needed.

I can’t just push ahead with a policy that has a significant impact on the national economy because it’s right.

“Still, I have to do it. Above all, if I keep cracking down, it’s obvious that it will end up like England.”

“Ah~ It’s a way of opening a kind of escape route.”

“It may sound a bit cynical to say it this way, but there is no more appropriate divide and conquer than offering incentives.”

“What about the complaints of the bourgeois?”

“We should give tax benefits to those who follow the government policy for a certain period of time. And since the market will grow much bigger in the future, if we help them develop overseas markets so that they can see much bigger profits, they will do it eagerly.”

Even if you argue about the tyranny of capitalists or the unity of workers, people who are well-fed and content will not join.

Rather, there is a high possibility that voices will come out from within, saying that this is enough, what more do you want?

Of course, it is possible to use this policy because France is in an overwhelmingly strong position.

It can supply resources more easily and cheaply than any other country, and the technology is so good that the cost itself is low.

Here, the market for selling goods is constantly growing, so there will be no problem even if we take care of the convenience of workers to some extent.

“Let’s stop talking about labor reform here. I need to see those people named Saint-Simon and Fourier, so can you invite them? It would be easier for them to accept if someone they know invites them.”

“You’re going to see them in person?”

“I’m a little interested personally.”

Even if you win the hearts of the workers, the fire can be revived at any time if the enemy general is still alive.

There is also a saying that you should catch the leader first when attacking the enemy.

If I break down those who are called representatives of communism from the beginning or keep them as my people, I can at least rest assured in France.

※※※

The communist wave that started in England gradually permeated France as well.

But as I expected, it didn’t cause much of a stir.

This is because the newly announced labor law reform was a much bigger topic than such abstract things.

“I heard we’re resting on the Sabbath [Sunday] now?”

“Well, I have to go to church.”

“I heard that the English guys only work to death without holidays, but we’re not the same level as them, are we?”

“Of course not. Is that even a question?”

The workers shouted with sincerity at the dramatically improved environment compared to other countries.

The bourgeois, who initially cried out that all companies would go bankrupt if this happened, split their opinions when they were promised various benefits.

Above all, there were not many people in France, a devout Catholic country, who could openly ignore the words to keep the Sabbath.

Around the time when the labor movement was developing in a slightly different flow from England.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

“It’s an honor to meet the Prime Minister.”

Two of the three major figures of early 19th-century communism came to the Tuileries Palace [the French royal palace in Paris] at my call.

“I am also glad to see the two people who are at the center of the recent discussions. Please, sit here.”

“Yes. Then thank you…”

Perhaps because of the intimidation of my reputation, the two were very nervous and cautiously looked at me.

Do they think I called them to rebuke them?

“Be comfortable. I called you to have a healthy discussion.”

“Discussion… are you saying?”

“Yes. Or does the me who made this France an industrial society seem like the head of the capitalists to you?”

“Ah, no! I have never had such an impious thought!”

“Me too! How can I equate the Prime Minister, who is enacting various laws for the powerless workers, with a corrupt capitalist?”

The way they hurriedly deny it seems like they feel guilty.

Whatever it is, I don’t care as long as I can put a leash on these two.

“I heard a detailed story about you from my wife, and it made quite an interesting claim. Do you have anything you want to ask me?”

“That’s…”

“If it’s difficult, I’ll ask the questions. Count Saint-Simon, you criticized that society should be reorganized around workers and that financiers earn money without producing anything, is that still valid?”

“Yes. I thought this trend would weaken agriculture, which is the foundation of France…”

“If we reduce finance, destroy the bourgeois, and value agriculture as you say, France will go back 100 years. What do you think about this?”

There are many reasons why communism failed, but the fundamental problem is ultimately hatred of capitalists.

People often say that there is no motivation in communist societies, but this is actually wrong.

If you actually slacked off in a communist country, you would be sent to a reformatory right away.

In the first place, the justification put forward by those who established communist countries was to break the society of corrupt capitalists and create a better country.

So, of course, they have to make people live a better life than before, so they cannot tolerate a drop in production.

The problem is that in an increasingly complex and diversified society, there is a limit to the state’s monopoly on capital.

Above all, how can the market mature in a social atmosphere where capitalists are defined as evil and expelled?

Saint-Simon’s argument also did not escape the typical limitations of communists in this era.

“So, if a great man like the Prime Minister can steadily improve the lives of workers and farmers and suppress capitalists…”

“Isn’t that just another dictatorship that relies on philosopher kings? It seems to contradict the values of freedom and equality that France boasts.”

“That’s…”

Marx, who completed Das Kapital [Marx’s most famous work] and perfectly established the theory of scientific socialism, is different… No, even if it’s such a Marx, if it’s a country that knows how communism failed, it can say everything in the debate.

Not to mention those who have not yet evolved to that stage.

“Of course, I don’t think the current system is necessarily the answer. It is my sincere desire to manage the country in a direction that makes everyone’s life better. I’m not trying to completely deny the communist theory that you guys are arguing. Certainly, in terms of distribution, there is room for accepting your theories.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. In fact, if you look closely at the communist theory, you can see that there are quite a lot of things that can only be achieved by assuming a society where capitalism is complete.”

As I moderately flattered him with sweet words, Saint-Simon’s eyes began to half-open.

If you want to achieve your ideal, help the current system establish itself firmly first.

If it is a moderate position of social liberalism, I am willing to accept it with an open mind.

“After listening to the Prime Minister’s words, I feel that my complicated mind has been organized a little. First of all, I will go back and take some time to refine and contemplate the theory a little more.”

“Yes. And if there are any results, be sure to let me know.”

However, unlike Saint-Simon, who bowed his head and stood up, Fourier was still looking at me with a serious face.

Even after saying this much, are you still going to shout ‘I can’t lose communism’?

“Do you still have anything else you want to ask?”

“…That, Prime Minister. This is a slightly different topic…”

Fourier, who had been contemplating for a while, fiddled with the teacup he hadn’t even taken a sip of and continued.

“Prime Minister, do you basically think that women are inferior to men? Not in terms of physical aspects, but in terms of intellectual aspects.”

“…Huh?”

When that topic that I had been half-expecting came up, even I was momentarily speechless.

Charles Fourier.

I had overlooked it for a moment, but the expression that modifies this person was not just the three major figures of early 19th-century communism.

The earliest advocate of women’s liberation, or the first feminist.