Education
He studied theology as well as physics and chemistry in university.
He studied theology as well as physics and chemistry in university.
Chydenius participated actively in the Diet (Riksdag of the Estates), and published several articles of criticism which caused a great stir. One of the results of his activities in the Diet was a stricter parliamentary control of the government budget. He considered that one of his greatest achievements was an extension of the freedom of the press. His radical activities caused him to be excluded from the Diet by his own political party in 1766.
In his work as a minister, Chydenius stood close to pietism, a movement in the Lutheran church. Holding his revival meetings in Alaveteli and later in Kokkola on Sunday afternoons, he brought about a local revivalist movement. He tried to counteract the Moravians, whose teaching with its bias toward the gospel he considered "dead faith", with little emphasis on God's law.
He also wrote two extensive collections of sermons, which were published by the Theological-Homiletic Society led by Archbishop K. F. Mennander. Chydenius' church discipline was maintained in line with the times, without being especially severe.
He argued that economic harmony and efficiency would not be affected by planning and regulation, since the administrators could not possibly have advance knowledge of future needs and resources. Freedom of trade was positive, because free competition would create a healthy balance in the economy, referring to natural rights, Chydenius demanded social justice, requiring that small entrepreneurs, workers and peasants should enjoy full freedom to sell their labour and products. Chydenius' notion of a free economy regaining balance like seawater. is an analogue of Adam Smiths parable of an "invisible hand" arranging everything. Both Smith and Chydenius made use of Isaac Newtons notion of balance in unspoiled nature, applying it to economics. Both Smith and Chydenius considered legislation the only feasible restriction on economic freedom. Chydenius' economic ideas did not have much impact during his lifetime, except for the Ostrobothnian towns' staple rights.
The cause of the peasantry was promoted several times by Chydenius in the parliament in 1765 - 66, especially when he supported allowing the peasants into domestic merchant shipping in Swedish waters, which was realised in 1766.
In Finland, Chydenius was only recognized as a great man from the middle of the 19th century, as the social liberals came to appreciate his notions of a free press and free trade. Chydenius himself considered these as instrumental in showing the way towards the much higher goal of social and political democracy.
His lifestyle was quite modest, with work and music the main sources of joy. This minister was known for his generosity, and the Kokkola parsonage always housed some child or young person from indigent relatives for decades, often two at a time.