In 1814 he wrote that "The best governed State will be that which shall possess the best national  system of education."

According to Owen biographer G.D.H. Cole the basis of Owenism was his theory of education - as a means to the formation of character and the possession of happiness.

For Owen education was the basis of good living, good fellowship and good work.

Owen did not, however, belive in any sort of education. He knew what kind of education with what effect.

There is a lesson in this about the presence or absence of what kind of co-operative education.

Source: Cole, G.D.H.  Robert Owen, ernest Benn Limited, 1925