The writings of the French Archbishop François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (1651-1715) deal with subjects that are still relevant today - the nature of power and the moral obligations of those in positions of leadership, the evils generated by incompetent administration and the abuse of authority and the political and economic reforms required to eliminate injustice and ensure the welfare of the population.

1. Fénelon and Christian Agrarianism

2. Raison d’état
Machiavelli

3. Hobbes
Moral pessimism

4. Colbert
Mercantilism

5. France under Louis XIV
1667 Invasion of Flanders

6. War of Spanish Succession
1701-14

7. Famine
1693-4
1709-10

8. Directions for the Conscience of a King
• Justice and natural law
• History, customs and ethics
• Ancient forms of government
• Personal morality of the King
• Remuneration of public officials
• Control of expenditure
• Taxation
• Expansionist foreign policy
• National security

9. The Duke of Burgundy

10. Telemachus
• Attack on régime of Louis XIV
• Agrarian utopia
• Benevolent king
• Wise and just administration
• Virtuous citizens
• Brotherhood of man
• World peace
• Federation of Nations

11. Christian Agrarianism

12. Thanks for listening.