What is Enlightenment
Enlightenment was a philosophical movement. Which started in England in the 17th century. This movement paid more attention to human reasoning, rather than superstitions and blind faith. The Enlightenment was in opposition to the Religious and Political Order that existed at that time. It promoted scientific thinking.
Its influence spread over all the classes present in the world. Enlightenment focused on the power and goodness of human rationality. Its main purpose was to understand the natural world and where humans live. That too on a region basis. Not by believing in religious theories. This movement went on on a very large scale, which was later called as enlightenment.
Values of Enlightenment
Under Enlightenment, commitment to the region was taught. In this, the region was presented as a positive potential of the human being. Region frees people from primitive, dogmatic, superstitious beliefs, etc. And along with it, it also removes irrationality and ignorance. Enlightenment taught people how to think.
People started thinking correctly. Along with this, it was also taught to act correctly. Along with this, it was also taught to believe in modern science. Which solves the problems of the people. Along with this, controlling over nature was also provided. It also emphasized that each individual is the master of his future.
Reason can also lead humanity, through scientific progress. Under this, it was said necessary to believe in the goodness of human nature. Reason makes all human beings equal, so all people deserve equal liberty and treatment.
Any kind of theory or belief should be accepted only on the basis of reason. Engagement increased with public discussion and action etc. People should focus on the accumulation of material wealth. At the same time, knowledge should also be developed, not feelings or character.
Dimensions
Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of the human kind. They completely rejected all the superstitions, weird rituals and corrupt traditions etc.
The society was emerging from the Dark Ages of the Medieval Catholic Church and the feudal monarchy of Superstition, Ignorance and intolerance. Enlightenment thinkers supported the individual’s efforts and innovation.
People should give up on emotions. Develop the power of your region. And there should be a world, in which all human beings have shared actions and thoughts. So that universal peace and prosperity will come.
Along with this, the competition for power will also start. And only talented people will get a chance. Not the privileged ones, who are privileged by birth.
People should be free from superstition irrational religion, cultural heritage etc only then they can express their true good nature, cooperation, mutual assistance etc. A social order should be constructed which respects fundamental human rights.
And people should be involved in producing wealth. At the same time, you should also produce power for yourself. This will open the doors of opportunity for all the people.
Enlightenment has revamped religion. Enlightenment thinkers believed that God has meaning. Force for good, he believed that a great force fashioned the whole world. And after that they have given up on us. To discover its perfection. Its basic structure can be understood only by the region. As Newton discovered the basic law of physics.
Thinkers believed that whatever is happening in nature. All this is regulated by the region. Law of Nature and Law of Mind are both same. Region is a Universal Force. Man can improve himself through education and exposure to philosophical writers.
People who are involved in business and well educated. They will definitely remain active in the political life of their community. And he will also have full devotion towards his material welfare.
And they will also accept the responsibility of welfare of others. If he marries he will have many children. So he will teach them modern values too. Along with this, with the help of technology, we will make Wasteland into production.
If daughters were given good education, specially in literature and science. So she will be able to play her role as wife and mother very well. Enlightenment asked to keep faith and belief in nature, so that human progress can happen. Restrictions imposed by the Church or the State. Happiness wants freedom from them.
Impact
With the effect of Enlightenment, the Anti-Slavery Movement started in England. Simultaneously, the demand for reform intensified. Religious Humanities started being discussed. Legal and prison reforms etc. were also supported by religious groups.
New humanitarianism weakened absolutism. Independent Thought got a boost. Education also improved. There was a successful campaign against the slave trade. Enlightenment thinkers used the scientific method to study human society.
It also ensured that the societies could rehabilitate the criminals through education. and Basic Principles about Human Affairs were produced. Enlightenment thinkers attacked the Catholic Church. Enlightenment thinkers were very much interested in technological change. Enlightenment encouraged the humanitarian outlook. So that they can criticize slavery and war.
Due to new ideas, there was a lot of change in the habits and hobbies of the common people. Urban artisans and businessmen used to sit and discuss about the latest reforms in reading clubs and coffee houses. Meanwhile, some scientific and philosophical things were also invented, such as Encyclopedia, Britannica.
The sale of books increased even more. These people had a wide audience. Better agriculture and industrial methods were promoted. Groups of some artisans and priests turned against the churches. This resulted in the gain of secular value.
There were also many changes in the behavior towards children. The old physical discipline methods were criticized. Children’s innocence and goodness started being respected. Parents also became interested in the free movement of children and interaction with them.
The wealthy families gave educational toys and books to the children. So that made childhood a stage of learning and growth. Along with this, family life also changed rapidly. There was equality in the treatment of women and children. The love in the family acquired a new respect.
Commerce also started spreading. Ordinary Westerners began to consume processed products such as refined sugar, coffee and tea. Which used to come from Indonesia, West Indies, started buying.
Consumerism originated in Western society. Along with this, paid, profession entertainment also started growing. The first circus was introduced in France in 1670. Along with this, there were changes in agriculture as well.