Auguste Comte
1798–1857 · French · 19th Century
Known for: Invented the word 'sociology,' founded positivism, and tried to replace God with a 'Religion of Humanity'
Brilliant, unstable, and grandiose. He coined 'sociology' and proposed a 'religion of humanity.' He suffered breakdowns and attempted suicide.
Despite personal difficulties, his vision of society studied scientifically was genuinely revolutionary.
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