"Essays on the Mind" and "A Treatise on Man" by Helvetius

In these two discourses, Helvetius states his belief that "education makes us what we are." He believes that all men are born with genius but it is only brought out in the circumstances in which man is placed.

• circumstances proper to unfold genius are more extraordinary than genius itself
• inequality observable among men depends on the government under which they lie
• happiness depends on the age in which man is born
• their desire of improvement is based on their education
• education unfolds the buds of genius and virtue
• education makes man what he is
• Helvetius trys to awaken the attention of the public to perfect the education of men
• Helvetius compares himself to Locke
• Both believe in the influence of education
• Calls on nations to improve the science of education