Henri de Saint-Simon is considered to be the founder of utopian socialism. He lived in the aftermath of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. He foresaw the rise of the business managerial class to replace feudal nobility structures, and the rise of the social status of scientists. He was a strong believer in free markets, in contrast to future socialist thought. His secretary, Auguste Comte, was a follower but later became estranged when Comte felt the need to step out of the shadow of his mentor and pursue a more radically progressive path.