Henri de Saint-Simon was a French philosopher and social theorist born in 1760. He is best known for his ideas on social reform and the importance of industrialization. Saint-Simon believed that society should be organized based on scientific principles and that the welfare of the community should take precedence over individual interests. He is often considered one of the founders of socialism and influenced later thinkers, including Karl Marx and Auguste Comte. Saint-Simon advocated for a society led by industrialists and scientists, emphasizing the need for cooperation and the role of technology in improving human life.