Émile Littré

But why was it that this great philosopher proved so weak the moment he took up in his positive politics the study of social institutions, especially those of modern times? This is the question which most admirers of Comte have asked themselves.

How could such a broad and strong mind come to the religion which Comte preached in those closing years of his life? Littré and Mill, it is well known, refused even to recognize Comte's politics as part of his philosophy.

They considered it the product of a weakened mind, while others utterly failed in their endeavors to discover a unity of method in the two works.

Footnote None that know the author's fairness of mind will be likely to accuse him of partiality in the scathing criticism he here makes of the apostle of positivism.

But why was it that this great philosopher proved so weak the moment he took up in his positive politics the study of social institutions, especially those of modern times? This is the question which most admirers of Comte have asked themselves.

How could such a broad and strong mind come to the religion which Comte preached in those closing years of his life? Littré and Mill, it is well known, refused even to recognize Comte's politics as part of his philosophy.

They considered it the product of a weakened mind, while others utterly failed in their endeavors to discover a unity of method in the two works.

Footnote.